Andy Griffith Dead at 86

July 03, 2012 Remembered

Actor Andy Griffith, best known for “The Andy Griffith Show,” died Tuesday in Dare County, North Carolina at the age of 86. His friend, former UNC President Bill Friday, confirmed his death to WITN News.

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Few can forget “America’s Favorite Sheriff” from his self-titled show, which ran from 1960 to 1968. The story, set in fictional Mayberry, North Carolina, centers on Griffith, a widower, his deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts), spinster Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier), and son Opie (Ron Howard).

"His pursuit of excellence and the joy he took in creating served generations & shaped my life I'm forever grateful RIP Andy," Howard tweeted on Tuesday.

His most memorable film role was in 1957's "A Face in the Crowd," an examination of fame and power.

Griffith, who also produced and starred in the legal drama “Matlock,” was born in Mount Airy, North Carolina in 1926. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 from President George W. Bush.

UPDATE: The body of Andy Griffith was buried Tuesday morning on Roanoke Island, less than five hours after he died, reports CNN. At the request of his family, Griffith's body was lowered into a grave on the island at about 11:30 a.m. ET, according to a funeral spokesperson who declined to be named, citing the sensitivity of the matter. "It had been planned for some time," said the spokesperson, who declined to reveal where on the island the body was buried. "This was the wish of his family."

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Comments

Danna

322 days ago

Thank You Andy Griffith for touching my life and millions of others in such a wonderful Christian way.

Some of the most wonderful memories of my childhood was watching The Andy Griffith Show with my dad and drinking Sanka coffee using a cup that looked just like the one in the commercials that always came on during the show. Maybe to some that might not be something, but to a 2-5 year old kid it was wonderful memories before my parents divorce when I was 5.

I always thought that Andy Griffith looked like my dad and I watched him in reruns and on Matlock.

I know Andy is in Heaven with God and today I feel like I lost a dear friend and family member. Now, two of the men I looked up to the most are in Heaven together having a cup of Sanka coffee together. I can’t wait to join them one day for a cup of coffee and enjoy the view from heaven with them.

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