Remembering Andy: Mayberry Bids Farewell to Sheriff Taylor

ANDY GRIFFITH (1 June 1926 - 3 July 2012)

Died Tuesday at his home on Roanoke Island in North Carolina. An actor, singer and comedian, he is fondly remembered by generations of fans as the Mayberry sheriff in The Andy Griffith Show. Who can forget the opening of a man and a little boy, walking down a dirt road, carrying their fishing poles and whistling a tune? It featured the memorable characters of Deputy Barney Fife, garage mechanic Gomer Pyle, Aunt Bee, Thelma Lou, and little Opie Taylor.

Sheriff Andy Griffith made his screen debut in a 1960 episode of The Danny Thomas Show, where Danny is arrested for running a stop sign. Later that same year, Andy's own show debuted and continued for 8 seasons and a total of 249 episodes. Andy helped other townspeople fix their problems and the show provided wholesome entertainment for the entire family.

Mr. Griffith also recorded and released several albums of Gospel songs and comedy sketches. He performed on Broadway, at night clubs, and in films as well as television.