June 21, 2024, 69, La Grange —

August 17, 1955 – June 21, 2024

Richard Lee Dryden passed away on June 21, 2024, at ECU Medical Center in Greenville, NC after battling cancer.

He was born on August 17, 1955, in Hannibal, Missouri to George Robert and Betty Woodward Dryden.

He graduated from Hannibal High School in Hannibal, Missouri in 1973.

He married Pamela Sue Shear on January 19, 1985, the daughter of Ernie Shear and Rita McMahon.

They had three sons: Scott Michael Dryden (Heidi) of La Grange, NC, Robert Lee Dryden (Jessica) of Ayden, NC, and Greg Andrew Dryden of La Grange, NC.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Larry Robert Dryden; and sister, Christina Ann Morris.

He is survived by his wife, three children, and one grandson, Caleb Lee; two sisters, Jane Hickman (Hannibal, MO) and Julie Shear (Kinston, NC) and many nieces and nephews.

Richard worked for many years in the Rubber Industry as a supervisor at Buckhorn Rubber in Hannibal, MO, as a plant manager at Western Rubber in Indiana, and at Goshen Rubber in Snow Hill, NC.

He eventually retired and started his own home improvement business.

He was an avid golfer and looked forward to his annual trips to Myrtle Beach with his brother and friends.

He loved watching sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals. He was also an avid reader and read every night before bed.

No service is planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to:

Caleb Lee Dryden College Fund
c/o Pam Dryden
3810 Drew Farmer Road
La Grange, NC 28551

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange, NC.