Talk about the end of an era. When George Lindsey passed away early this morning (May 6, 2012) at the age of 83, the world lost one of it's great southern actor/comedians.

Lindsey was best known for his character Goober Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show from 1964 to 1968 and its successor, Mayberry RFD, from 1968 to 1971. He played the same character — a service station attendant — on Hee Haw from 1971 until it went out of production in 1993. He also did many comedy tours and private engagements as the lovable dim-witted character.

Lindsey told The Associated Press in 1985 that "America has grown up with me. Goober is every man; everyone finds something to like about ol' Goober."

Back in 2002, Bill Jarnigan  at The University of North Alabama invited me down for The George Lindsey Film Festival. Just prior to the trip, we published our first print issue of my old magazine GRITZ, and in it I featured an interview I had conducted with George. Of course, meeting and talking to him and handing him the magazine down at the school was quite a thrill. I will never forget meeting Lindsey, his hilarious presentation to the crowd, along with rare film clips, and the general good time that he and Bill delivered, along with the special guest that year, Mike Curb. As I recall, it was also my first meeting with the infamous "Leaning Man," Funky Donnie Fritts, as well as with film maker Tonya Holly. Great memories.

Check out my interview with George from 2002 here.

We'll miss you Goober, but you will live forever in one of the most popular and continuous running television shows of all time.

Funeral arrangements are still being made.

-Buffalo