Andy Samuel Griffith, who had a career spanning seven decades in music and television, was an American actor, comedian, television producer, southern gospel musician, and writer who was born on June 1, 1926, and passed away on July 3, 2012, at the age of 86 years old.

Griffith was a Tony Award contender for two parts and was well known for his Southern drawl, characters with a folksy-friendly personality, and his gruff but friendly voice.

Why was Andy Griffith buried on day of death?

Andy Griffith had already decided what he didn’t want to happen before he passed away. He didn’t want press coverage, helicopters flying over his house, or throngs of people clamoring to see his coffin. “Before the paparazzi could invade Roanoke Island to capture his remains on video,” de Visé said, “he asked a small group of trusted friends to bury him shortly after his death.”

What religion was Andy Griffith?

Griffith was brought up a Baptist and admired Ed Mickey, a pastor at Grace Moravian Church, who oversaw the brass band and instructed him in trombone playing and singing. Thus he was a devoted, Christian.