Andy Griffith dead at 86

MANTEO, N.C. (By Scott Gustin, WGHP) — Andy Griffith, the actor best known for his role on The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock, died on Tuesday after an illness.

Griffith was 86-years-old.

He passed away early Tuesday morning at his home on Roanoke Island in Manteo with his wife Cindi at his side, the family confirmed in a statement.

“Andy was a person of incredibly strong Christian faith and was prepared for the day he would be called Home to his Lord,” Cindy Griffith said in a statement.

“He is the love of my life, my constant companion, my partner, and my best friend. I cannot imagine life without Andy, but I take comfort and strength in God’s Grace and in the knowledge that Andy is at peace and with God.”

CNN is reporting Griffith was buried on his farm during a private service with his family at 11:30 a.m.