Allen "Al" Dryden Jr.

Kingsport, Tennessee mourns the loss of Allen N. Dryden, Jr., who passed away on January 1, 2024. Allen, born December 3, 1936, was a beloved member of the community, leaving an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of our city.

A native of Kingsport, Allen dedicated his life to the pursuit of architectural excellence. He earned his degree in architecture from The Georgia Institute of Technology, where he developed the skills and passion that would define his illustrious career and provided a seamless continuation of the fine work of his father, Allen N. Dryden, Sr.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Allen was cherished for his warm personality and witty sense of humor. He would tell you his greatest accomplishments were his family. The love he had for them was unsurpassed. He had an uncanny ability to always find a friend in a stranger anywhere he went. His generosity and mentorship endeared him to his children, grandchildren, colleagues and aspiring architects alike.

Allen was an active member of several community and professional organizations throughout his lifetime. He was a dedicated Deacon and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church and President of Friends of Allandale where he received the Lifetime Achievement Award. He served as a Director for the Kingsport Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris fellow recipient, President of the Kingsport Boys Club, President of the Northeast Tennessee Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and a board member of the Tennessee Society of Architects, the Tennessee Architecture Foundation and the Tennessee Housing and Development Authority. He served on the Kingsport Historical Zoning Commission and Planning Commission. Along with his son, Nick Dryden, he was a founding advisor for the Kingsport Regional Interactive Design Studio with the University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design. He was highly decorated with numerous accolades ranging from Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, Kingsport Young Man of the Year, NSA Boss of the Year, AIA Tennessee Excellence Award, recipient of the Four Star Individual Service Award from the State of Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association, and features in Southern Living Magazine.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Frances Francisco Dryden; his daughter, Angela Dryden Lovin (Scott) of St. Augustine, FL; his twin sons, Nicholas Emmett Dryden (Caroline) of Nashville, TN and Henry Allen Dryden (Melissa) of Greenville, SC; his cherished grandchildren, Olivia Lovin Miller (Connor) of Jacksonville, FL, Anna Grace Lovin and Peter Lovin of St. Augustine, FL, Julia and Emmett Dryden of Nashville, TN, Henry, Dean and Andrew Dryden of Greenville, SC; two great grandchildren, Harper and Josephine Lovin; his sister, Laura Dryden Taylor; his favorite friend, B.C.; and all  of his “deer friends” of Fair Acres who will undoubtedly find solace in the enduring impact Allen had on the world around him.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. And Mrs. Allen N. Dryden Sr.; and sister, Lois Dryden Hasty.

A private memorial service to celebrate Allen's life will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Following the service, the family will receive friends from 2-4 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsport in the Fellowship Center. Friends, family, and colleagues are invited to join together in remembrance, sharing stories of a life well-lived and a legacy that will forever be etched into the heart of Kingsport.

As we bid farewell to a true architectural luminary, let us remember Allen with gratitude for the beauty he brought to our lives and the enduring impact he leaves behind. May he rest in peace, his spirit forever woven into the fabric of the city he so passionately served and the family he cherished.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Smoky Mountain Hospice and his special caregiver Susan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Friends of Allandale 4444 West Stone Drive Kingsport, TN 37660 or The First Presbyterian Church Steeple Urn project, 100 West Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.