George Lindsey (1928-2012)

He charmed audiences for nearly 30 years as a simple country boy, splitting time between Mayberry, NC & Kornfield Kounty, USA, but few people may be aware that George Lindsey had already led two careers before turning to acting. Better known as grease monkey Goober Pyle (nee Beasley) on The Andy Griffith Show (1964-68), Mayberry, RFD (1968-71), & Hee-Haw (1971-93), Lindsey was a graduate of what is now known as the University of North Alabama, and served in the Air Force before spending a few years as a teacher before relocating to Hollywood in the 60's.

Lindsey's other acting credits include two appearances on Gunsmoke, one each on The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, M*A*S*H, & Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, and a supporting role on The Tycoon, a short-lived Walter Brennan sitcom. Lindsey also made some movies, including a trio of Disney cartoons; "The Aristocats", "Robin Hood", & "The Rescuers", and "Cannonball Run". In 1985, Lindsey tried his hand as a talk show host, guest hosting Nashville Now on the Nashville Network (now Spike TV).

It is with sadness that we report that George "Goober" Lindsey, actor, comedian, and humanitarian, passed away earlier today at 83 after a brief illness. We celebrate his career, and we would be remiss if it was not mentioned that in recent years, he'd been involved in working with the Alabama Special Olympics.

During his early run in Mayberry, Lindsey also took a turn at singing, recording the 1-shot, "My Home Town", which was an ode to Mayberry. WCFL1000 uploaded a slideshow that collects pictures of Lindsey in his most famous role. Rest in peace, George. They're opening a service station in Heaven just for you.