Andy Griffith has passed away at age 86

Legendary TV star Andy Griffith has passed away at the age of 86 according to close friend and Former UNC President Bill Friday. Mr. Friday passed the sad news on to local news affiliate WITN.

Emergency medical crews responded to Griffith’s home this morning according to Dare County Sheriff J.D. Doughtie.

Griffith is best known for his role as Sheriff Andy Taylor for The Andy Griffith Show that aired on CBS from 1960-1968 and will always be found somewhere on the current dial in syndication.

He also had a later career hit with the legal drama Matlock, from 1986 to 1995. He played the title character, attorney Ben Matlock.

Mr. Griffith was also an award winning singer who deeply loved the gospel songs he grew up on as a child in the Appalachian region of North Carolina.

Andy once said:

“You know when you’re young you think you will always be. As you become more fragile, you reflect and you realize how much comfort can come from the past.”

R.I.P. Andy Griffith. You will always be remembered.

Top Photo: Griffith receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom | Carrie Devorah / WENN