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‘The Andy Griffith Show’: Andy Griffith’s Daughter Said He Would Go Into Stores ‘Barefoot or Without a Shirt’

Andy Griffith may have been a beloved actor and famous sitcom star. But he never forgot his roots or where he came from. He was born a Southern boy, and he died the very same thing. He was humble in many ways and didn’t act like he had fame nor fortune.

In fact, his daughter said Griffith would sometimes enter stores without a shirt or shoes. Maybe, he’s the reason they put up those signs outside of stores: “No shirt, no shoes, no service.” But who would refuse to let Griffith in their store, shirt or not?

“[North Carolina], that’s where he was free,” Griffith’s daughter Dixie told Fox News. “He would go into stores barefoot or without a shirt. He didn’t embody the Hollywood lifestyle.”

North Carolina was his home. He had been born up in the rolling green mountains. Griffith’s hometown was Mount Airy, a place he carried in his heart wherever he went. In fact, he later decided to base Mayberry from “The Andy Griffith Show” off of the town. He took his little piece of home and repackaged it for millions to love and enjoy.

Andy Griffith Retired to North Carolina

Later in his life, Griffith decided to retire back to North Carolina. He purchased an estate on Roanoke Island, where he could spend his final days in relative peace and quiet. But Griffith also returned to North Carolina at several points throughout his life. He would take his children there on fun summer trips. They would enjoy the water and the sun and the great outdoors.

“During the summers, we’d go back to North Carolina and play volleyball and water ski,” Griffith’s daughter continued. “I would play with him in the pool, and he’d put me up on his shoulders. He’d always stop what he was doing to play with me.”

Griffith ultimately passed away in 2012 at the age of 86. The actor had a heart attack while in his North Carolina home. Griffith left behind a legacy on screen as an actor and as a good man off-screen. His work “The Andy Griffith Show” continues to be enjoyed and loved by millions of people. The show showed a certain simplicity and way of living that Griffith employed in his own life.

“His fans still love him,” Griffith’s daughter said. “He brings light, joy and laughter to millions. He’s remembered, for sure.”