So Long, Andy Griffith

That sound you hear is the sound of unwrapped Werther’s Originals rolling across the linoleum floor after every memaw and pepaw dropped their favorite candy to cover their mouths in sadness at the news that the star of the only shows they watch has gone up to the great big Mayberry in the sky. Just a day before the Fourth of July, America has lost one of its national treasures. Andy Griffith’s good friend Bill Friday tells WITN that Ben Matlock and Sheriff Andy Taylor passed away this morning in North Carolina. Andy was 86.

Bill Friday says that Andy died early this morning at his home in Dare County. Most know Andy from Matlock and The Andy Griffith Show, but he was also in Waitress and Pray for the Wildcats. While reading about Andy on Wikipedia, I learned that was never nominated for an Emmy for Matlock or The AG Show. I know, pick up those Werther’s and drop them again.

Rest in peace, Andy Griffith. Grampa Simpson will never be the same again.