Ben "Bennie" Taylor Dryden Sr.

He was born in Hampton on February 22, 1953, son of the late Norman Taylor Dryden and Mary Powell Dryden.

A charter member of Rock Pike Baptist church, “The Fishman” was retired from Bennies Seafood which he founded and which the family still continues to operate after 35 years. Prior to founding Bennies Seafood he worked at Archer Creek Foundry. Bennie loved spending time on the water as he grew up working on the fishing boats. When he was no longer able to work, he loved spending time with his family at Daytona Beach.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jessie Dryden.

Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years, Janet “Marie” Dryden; three children, Jeannie Dryden, Kellie Dryden (Wil Bennett), Ben T. Dryden, Jr.; and a special niece, Elina Dryden; one sister, Norma Abston (Howard); six grandchildren, Jimmy Dryden, Angelica Dryden, Karris Dryden, Keldon Dryden, Skyler Woody and MacKenzie Woody; one great nephew, Ethan Kornegay. He is also survived by a special friend, Katie Layne and his faithful canine companion, Rennie.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm, Sunday, October 14, 2018 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with Pastor John Sines, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at Rock Pike Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 – 7 pm on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Monelison Volunteer Rescue Squad, 120 Amer Circle, Madison Heights, VA 24572 or Rock Pike Baptist Church, 1117 Blackwater Road, Forest, VA 24551.