Man, I'm really bummed. Andy Griffith was truly a national treasure. The Andy Griffith show is a timeless reminder that you can be extremely funny and entertaining without resorting to cheap/obnoxious humor
He's left a massive body of work for us to remember him by and to make sure we pass it on to the next generations. Funny thing is every time I saw an episode of Matlock I'd always think of my disability lawyer as he was always in a creased suit and rather down to earth.
I just remembered - if any of you get the opportunity, see "Murder in Coweta County" a tv movie several years back. Andy Griffith played the villain, and Johnny Cash was the sheriff. Despite being casting against type, they each did a great job.