Andy Griffith Dead At 86

TMZ has the story:

Andy Griffith, an icon of TV, has died ... this according to Andy's close friend, former UNC President Bill Friday. Griffith, who became famous for "The Andy Griffith Show," passed away at his home in Manteo, North Carolina this morning. Friday broke the news to WITN News in North Carolina. In addition to starring in his show and the subsequent "Mayberry R.F.D.," Griffith was a Grammy award-winning southern gospel singer. Of course, Griffith also starred in the long-running series, "Matlock" and often made guest appearances in other shows, including "Dawson's Creek."

I grew up in rural North Carolina in a tiny town not unlike Mayberry, only with a lot more trailer parks. As a tow-headed young'un, folks often called me Opie. True story.