Gaston Driver

Gaston Driver was born January 12, 1940, to Kelly Driver Sr. and Pastor Canara Idessa Driver in Charlotte, Tennessee (Bellsburg Community). He departed this earthly life on Thursday, July 28, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was baptized in Jesus’ name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost at an early age, under Pastorate of Mother Robinson, Greater Christ Temple Church, Nashville, TN.


Gaston was raised on the north end of Dickson County in an area known as,” Bellsburg”. From there he went on to Hampton High School where he became President of his 1958 graduating class. After graduating he attended Tennessee State University (TSU) and majored in Vocational Building Construction. He was at TSU during the Civil Rights Movement and there he participated in several marches and sit-in demonstrations. Over the years, he has served as mentor to both family and friends. He is well known throughout the community and state for his strong work ethics, intelligence, honesty, and integrity.


Gaston enjoyed a career as a construction contractor. He was owner and CEO of Driver Concrete & Building Construction Company, which was one of the largest concrete companies in the Midsouth, employing many Dickson County residents. Much of the concrete you walk on in Nashville was poured by his company, including jobs for Tennessee State University, Nashville International Airport, Nissan car manufacturing plant in Smyrna, TN , Dell Computers and Military contracts in Clarksville TN. Gaston retired in 2013.


He was an ordained Deacon at Faith Apostolic Church, Charlotte, TN. In addition to his church interest, during his college years Gaston participated in body building competitions. He was an avid sports fan of all sports. Gaston enjoyed professional drag racing. He built and drove many race cars. His most notable car is the BB/FC “Super Spook” Vega Funny Car.
Gaston also provided financial support to friends and family members as they attended college via tuition and books. He believed in the value of education and was proud that his family attended college, as it is a reflection of his passion for Civil Rights and African American growth.


Gaston is preceded in death by his parents, Kelly Driver Sr. , Canara Idessa Driver, his brother, Mark Driver and sister, Annie Ruth Merritt and son in law, Louis Dobbins. He leaves to cherish his memory, devoted wife of 41 years, Dorothy (Candi) Driver; daughters, Jennifer Driver Dobbins, Nashville, TN and Rhonda (Gregory) Roberts, Charlotte, TN; grandson Recio Jackson, Phoenix, AZ; grand-daughter Shannon Roberts, Muskegon, MI; great-grandchildren, JoaQuin Jackson, Seldovia, Alaska, Amaria Collins, Layla and Maliah Aleem, all of Muskegon, MI; siblings, Sara (Dr. Benjamin) Blackburn, Atlanta, GA, Patricia Terrell, St. Petersburg, FL, Niva (Bobby) Smith, Nashville, TN, Mary Wilder, Maryville, TN, sister-in-law Sandra Driver, Jacksonville, FL, Kelly Driver, Charlotte, TN, and Jerry (Patricia) Driver, Dickson, TN; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and beloved friends. A special thank you to devoted niece Kimberly (Duple’) Travillion.


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