Billy "Wild Bill" Ray Dryden

I am sad to hear the news about Billy. My favorite memories of Billy were on the football field. We played together from 7th to 12th grade. I recall many defensive huddles when Billy was middle linebacker. It never mattered to Billy what the score was on the board or the time left in the game because he played every down like it was the only one.
Later in life I remember Billy attaching my campaign signs to the sides of his bread truck. When I told him he may want to reconsider doing so because I did not want it to conflict with his business, Billy just said that I was his friend and teammate and it did not make a difference to him.
Billy ,thank you for your service and your friendship over the years. Rest easy my friend....
Brandon

Met Billy playing baseball at Kiker park. He hit perhaps the longest home run off of me that I ever gave up! We became friends through All-Stars and went on to compete in baseball and football in High School. We were rivals on the fields but friends afterwards. My mother let me know about the sad news. Prayers go out to the family.

Roger

Tonya, Colton, Hunter, and Dalton,
So sorry for your loss, you all will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Denise Garner Smith

I was deeply saddened to learn about the loss of Billy. A simple letter cannot ease your pain, but I hope you take solace in knowing that brave service exceeded all measures of selflessness and devotion to his country. I thank you for your service. I pray that Gods grace gives his family comfort as they grieve. Billy was a shining example of a wonderful role model. Rest in peace my friend. Fly high .........

All of you are in are thoughts and prayers during this time. Rest in peace Billy..
Love, Curtis & Missy.

My heart sank when I heard Billy had passed. Billy will always be remembered as the protector over those he loved. I can think that being one of the reasons he went into the Marines. He was always special to me because he was a great athlete with brawn agility in everything he did. Billy could flash his beautiful blue eyes and drive the girls crazy. He was charming...when he wanted to be or he could be the fun roust-about of the class. He was very smart although he never wanted any of the teachers to know it...unless called upon from the teacher from not paying attention and always knew the answer. I will always remember Billy. I wish we could have stayed close in friendship in our adult lives. My condolences go out to this precious man's family. He will always be great in my eyes. God bless always.

I never knew you young man but, Thank you for your service and God Bless your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time.

Rest in peace, Billy. Love you!

Tonia & Family,

Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Please hold on to the wonderful memories and continue to share his story with his grandchildren, for they are his legacy. I had the privilege of meeting Billy for the first time in the 3rd grade, remembering a young boy with big blue eyes! Throughout school, there was never a dull moment with him around! He was fiercely competitive and driven. He served his country well. He will be missed by many. May the Lord keep the family close and bring them comfort during this most difficult time.

Rest in peace, my friend.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Becky Gatewood