Losing an Icon

Last Tuesday at around seven a.m., our favorite lawyer and sheriff passed away at his home at the age of 86. Andy Griffith, actor, director, and Southern gospel writer, was found at his home in North Carolina, on Roanoke Island, and was buried very shortly after.

Andy Griffith was probably best known for his role as the Sheriff of Mayberry, alongside his famous sidekick Barney Fife, played by Don Knotts. He was also well known for his role as the sometimes eccentric but always funny lawyer on Matlock, which aired in the nineties.

I can remember eating stewed potatoes over at my grandparents' house and watching The Andy Griffith Show. My grandfather and I loved it! I know I’m not the only one who has memories of watching Andy on TV. Many people grew up with his talent and enjoyed watching him. If you remember the show well, you can watch the opening and closing credits with the famous whistled tune here. Or, if you’ve never seen it, here’s a chance to see a little of what you’ve been missing.

Even the President issued a statement about the star’s death: “Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Andy Griffith this morning. A performer of extraordinary talent, Andy was beloved by generations of fans and revered by entertainers who followed in his footsteps. He brought us characters from Sheriff Andy Taylor to Ben Matlock, and in the process, warmed the hearts of Americans everywhere. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy’s family.” 

The President pretty well summed up anything you might endeavor to say about Griffith’s career, and we will leave it at that. We hope he finds the peace he sought, and that his family does also.