U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey D. Dryden departed this life on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, in Vicksburg. He was 46 years old.

He was born in Atlanta, Ga., and was a graduate of Southwest Dekalb High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from North Georgia College and State University.

He was commissioned as a second lieutenant, Infantry, in May 1987. He served as Counter Intelligence Platoon leader, Interrogation Operations Plan leader and Company commander of B Co. 337th Military Intelligence Battalion; Counter Intelligence officer of Company 345th Military Intelligence Battalion; Reserve Affairs officer of HHC, Reserve Affairs officer of 202nd Military Intelligence Battalion; Instructor Detachment officer of USAR Small Arms Readiness Group; Division Operations officer of Headquarters 108th Division (IT); plans officer of Small Arms Readiness Group; and senior intelligence Officer of the 412 Theater Engineer Command.

Lt. Col. Dryden’s educational background includes a physical education degree from North Georgia College and State University. His military education included Infantry Officer Basic Course, Military Intelligence Officer Transition Course, Military Intelligence Officer Advance Course, Counter Intelligence Officer Course, Combat Arms School and Basic Airborne Training.

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon and Parachute Badge.

Lt. Col. Dryden is survived by his wife, Natalie R. Dryden of California; his parents, James D. Dryden and Patsy S. Dryden of Georgia; his sister, Laura Dryden Rountree and her husband, Jimmy Rountree, of Florida; his children, Matthew B. Dryden, Mitchell R. Dryden and Kate A. Dryden of Georgia and Ayiana K. Ayala of California; his stepdaughters, Bailey M. Brown and Cassidy L. Brown; and his niece, Shannon R. Rountree of Tennessee.

The memorial service will be at Riles Funeral Home at 11 a.m. Saturday with Pastor Chris Jones officiating the service. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9 until 11 a.m.

Lt. Col. Dryden will be transported to Manchester, Ga., to Cox Funeral Home. Visitation will be held there on Sunday from noon until 2 p.m. with the service commencing at 2. The burial will follow at City Cemetery in Manchester with full military honors.

Memorial contributions in honor of Lt. Col. Dryden can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, or to charities of choice.