Andy Griffith’s relationship with hometown was tragic

(By Tom Joyce, Mount Airy News) - I have watched reruns of “The Andy Griffith Show” for years, and one common thread among them is the strong sense of community exhibited in Mayberry — and especially by Sheriff Taylor.

But sadly, that spirit of togetherness, acceptance and understanding was lacking in Griffith’s own personal life when it came to the actor’s overall dealings with his hometown of Mount Airy.

Of course, Griffith did make two high-profile appearances here during the past decade: once when a section of U.S. 52 was designated as the Andy Griffith Parkway and the other when the so-called Andy and Opie statue was unveiled on Rockford Street. Those were the exceptions, however, rather than the rule.

By then, Griffith was well up in years and beginning to suffer health problems, which perhaps caused him to mellow out a bit and realize that making a long-overdue public appearance in his hometown was appropriate.