SGM Marion Louie Dryden "Louie", (ret), died Sunday morning at his residence in Swainsboro, Georgia, after a long illness, under the care of Hospice.  Mr. Dryden, along with his wife and two daughters, was a resident of Swainsboro  since 1966.  He was born in Madison County, Florida, son of the late Reverend James Franklin Dryden and Mary Lizzie Phillips Dryden. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers - Quinton, James, Burt, Bennie, and Johnny Dryden and sisters - Iola Phillips, Arminta Raines, and Lola Sandefur.

SGM Dryden was a member of the  Swainsboro First Baptist Church, past president of the Lions Club, Exchange Club, and Agro Business. He retired from the United States Army after 20 years of service, including 11 years as a recruiter and service in the Korean Conflict, the Cuban Missle Crisis, and in Vietnam. In the ending months of WWII, SGM Dryden served in Germany.  During his time of service he was presented several medals of honor including the Bronze Star, Army Commendation, Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service, Korea Defense, and a Triple Bronze Star. Following his service in the United States Army, Mr. Dryden worked with Ford Motor Company and was past owner of Fordville in Swainsboro. He also worked with Modern Woodman Insurance Company. He received numerous performance and sales awards through both Ford Motor and Woodman Insurance Companies.  He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 10208 in Salt Springs, Florida and was a member of the American Legion.

Funeral services for Mr. Dryden will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 P.M. at the Swainsboro First  Baptist Church with Reverend Casey Shaw and Reverend Franklin Sasser officiating. Graveside services with full military honors will follow in the Swainsboro City Cemetery with Reverend  Jim Harrell and Tommy Kirby officiating.  Pallbearers at the church will be: Mike Farthing, Don Wilkes, Milton Gray, Richard McNeely, Ed Daniels, Lamar Faircloth, Rosby McKenzie and Jeff Newsome.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Jimmy Morgan Sunday School Class and the Citizens Bank Coffee Club.  The family will receive friends Tuesday evening at Tomlinson Funeral Home between the hours of 5-7 P.M.

Special thanks and recognition for many hours of loving care is given to employees of Pruitt Health, specifically his nurse, Robyn Cumbee, and his CNA, Betty Robinson. The family has requested all donations be made to Pruitt Hospice.

Survivors include-- Wife-- Frances Wood Dryden

Daughters-- Denise Dryden Neil (Bob)

Julie Dryden Holland

Grandchildren -- Jed Davis (Shaye), Laci Davis Kirby (Tommy), Anna Holland

Great grandchildren-- Kylie Davis, Jillian Davis, Gaston Kirby, Lani Kirby

Great great grandchild-- Braylee Williams

and many nieces and nephews