SPC Ryen King died a hero, fighting for the freedom of others in the Diyala Province of Iraq, on April 23, 2007.
Born May 21, 1987 in Franklin County, he was the son of Jerry W. King and Carmen Jordan. Ryen was a 2005 graduate of Franklin County High School, where he lettered in baseball as a catcher and was active in the Young Democrats. He served in the United States Army. He completed one station training at Fort Knox as a Cavalry Scout and airborne school at Fort Benning. He was stationed at Fort Bragg with the 82nd Airborne 5-73 Cavalry, where he also completed sniper school. He was also deployed to Fort Polk to help with the cleanup of Hurricane Katrina. Ryen was deployed to the Diyala Province in Iraq in August. He fought in both of the Battles of Tikrit. He spent a great deal of time with Iraq's children. During his service he earned the following commendations: the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and the Parachute Badge.
He is survived by his parents: Jerry & Penny King of Bowersville and Carmen & Harold Jordan of Royston; five sisters: Hilary King of Bowersville, Lauren Jordan of Royston, Kaitlin Jordan of Royston, Addison King of Bowersville, and Peyton Hayes of Royston; grandparents: Cathy Hayes of Royston, Wanda Overton of Knoxville, TN, Tot & Janice Wooten of Lavonia, Pat Fowler of Elberton, Ralph & Sharon Jordan of Royston, and Marshall & Emily Hayes of Lavonia; aunts and uncles: Todd & Christy Wooten of Wallhalla, David & Cheyenne Ryan of Knoxville, TN, Adam Hayes of Athens, and Tara Hayes of Athens; cousins: Hannah McKenna of Athens and Grant & Sawyer Wooten of Walhalla, SC; great-grandparents: Miriam Hayes of Royston and Gladys Reynolds of Knoxville, TN; and girlfriend: Hannah Davidson of Royston.
Funeral services with full military honors will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2007 at the Royston 1st United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday evening from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.