12:44 PM EDT 7/4/2012
Actor Andy Griffith passed away on Tuesday morning in Dare County, North Carolina, reported WITN News. According to the town's sheriff, J.D "Doug" Doughtie, the TV legend died around 7 a.m. at his Roanoke Island home, and was laid to rest on the grounds shortly afterwards.
Ron Howard, who played Griffith's son, Opie, on "The Andy Griffith Show," sent his condolences via Twitter, he claimed to be "forever grateful." and continued with, "His pursuit of excellence and the joy he took in creating served generations & shaped my life."
President Barack Obama said, he had "warmed the hearts of Americans everywhere."
"A performer of extraordinary talent, Andy was beloved by generations of fans and revered by entertainers who followed in his footsteps,"
The 86-year-old has left an edible mark in TV history as the neighborly Sheriff Andy Taylor. No doubt, we have all hummed the folksy theme song from the "Andy Griffith show," now, more so than ever.
Griffith also starred in the long-running television series, "Matlock," which aired in the'80's and '90's. He is survived by his wife, Cindi Knight, and his two children from a previous marriage.
Andy Griffith, thank you for the charming memories.