We Finally Know Why Andy Griffith Was Buried Just 4 Hours After He Died

What are some of your fondest memories of Andy Griffith, and what are your thoughts on his decision to be buried so quickly after his death? When television icon Andy Griffith died in 2012, The Andy Griffith Show star's grieving fans learned that there would be no public burial, funeral, or service for anyone to attend even if they were able to.

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Griffith Died Of A Heart Attack
01:06 - Andy Was In Total Control
02:18 - Dixie's Last Conversation With Her Dad
03:44 - Griffith Was Buried In Unprecedented Time
04:36 - Andy's Gravesite Remains Private
05:46 - Andy's Surviving Family Members Inherited His Wealth
06:15 - Outro

Prior to his death, Griffith had taken care of everything behind the scenes. He made all of the necessary arrangements and orchestrated every last detail of what would happen to his remains shortly after he would draw his last breath.

Griffith passed away at his home on Roanoke Island right around 7 am eastern time on the 3rd of July, 2012. Per his family's request, Andy's body was lowered into a grave on that very island a little over 4 hours later at 11:30 am.

A year after his passing, Andy's widow, Cindi, made the decision to have his home demolished. Not everyone was pleased by this, but she thought it was what Andy would have wanted. Since then, an Andy Griffith museum has opened in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Since Andy's grave remains private to this day, the museum is one of the only places where his fans can pay their respects.

Watch this video in full to learn why Griffith wanted to be buried so quickly after his death. The manner in which he was laid to rest might seem a little hasty, but it was exactly how Andy wanted.

We Finally Know Why Andy Griffith Was Buried Just 4 Hours After He Died

[MrShadowpanther]

I realized I was about 10 feet away from him when, years ago, my wife and I were having lunch at a restaurant in OBX and I realize I am hearing a VERY familiar voice behind me. We were the only two couples in the place. I quietly asked the waiter if that was Mr. Griffith behind me. He said yes but asked me not to interrupt his lunch as he really valued his time with his daughter. I assured him I had no intention of disturbing them, but that was my "brush with fame".

[rickeyzinn]

Andy Griffith is for me my favorite TV dad. When he spoke to adult or child, he spoke from the heart and you cannot "produce" a heart. Rest in peace Andy Griffith until we meet again 🙏

[lorraineowens]

My husband introduced me to Andy 8 years ago when I came to the USA. I love him and the show was a treat to watch, no vulgarity or swearing. RIP Mr Griffiths, Sir

[desirreemarlenaclonch]

I'm still impressed with how he was able to keep the lid on his privacy, great example for the rest of them

[janicegallan]

I never get tired of watching Andy’s reruns. He was really quite a guy!

[Farrah]

I respect Andy's wish to have everything private.

[inproper]

Andy gave so much to the public with his outstanding acting career, everyone should be blessed with that. He has the right to his privacy as he wished. Rest In Peace !

[johnfraley]

I visited the small town where and when they were filming Return to Mayberry. I got to see the entire cast and Andy was very kind. My friends were sitting on the bench outside the Courthouse set while Andy was being photographed in front of the iconic doors. He was more interested in talking to them than he was in getting his picture taken. Very friendly and down to earth.

[paulmcwilliams]

I loved The Andy Griffith show, and I still watch it today. This show will probably be showing somewhere when I die. Rest In Peace Andy Griffith.

[verahoward]

Growing up I watched The Andy Griffith show. And he played a humble man as a small town sheriff. And I agree with him 100%. You should not have to be chased by the paparazzi or people flying airplanes over here funeral. That is a time for close friends and family. And I am so grateful that the actors think that way and feel that way. He didn't want what he had he just wanted to be treated like everyone else and I have said that many times. I've had people say to me many times how do you talk to a rich person I said the same way you talk to a poor person you treat them like human beings that's all they want. And in life we have jobs to do and acting as a job that pays will sometimes. So I understand exactly where he's coming from rest in peace Andy Griffith and thank you for the many many years of joy when I was growing up and I know that the reruns of today are pleasing children somewhere.

[jmgfx]

The Andy Griffith Show was a favorite in my house while growing up and remains a favorite today. My son's love the show as well and it feels like visiting an old friend when I watch it.

[kimberlygonzalez]

I have always loved Andy Griffith as both Andy Taylor and Matlock. I still watch him on a daily basis for at least 4 hours

[soteriamediaproductions]

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Griffith. I was in the Navy and my Chief was on an inbound flight to Norfolk Intl’ airport with Andy. I was to pick up my Chief at a specified time but got a call from him beforehand to bring another uniformed sailor on duty with me. Evidently Andy had two huskie dogs in cages to be picked up at baggage claim and was increasingly thronged by fans in the airport. My shipmate and I got there in time to escort Andy out of the airport to his awaiting ride to Roanoke Island and keep the public at bay.
What a down to earth, humble man he was. He flew regular cabin, befriended a Navy Chief on the flight and treated my shipmate and me like we were important.

[brindellsmith]

I love all Andy Griffith shows, he reminds me of my dad in so many ways, his wordings, action, an strength

[ruthweeber]

I still watch the Andy Griffith Show reruns.

[stephaniesmith]

I love Andy Griffith! Watched it as a child. Now I’m binge watching all 8 seasons. That’s one of my favorite shows growing up and they were actual seasons at least 30 episodes. Not like today’s show giving you about 10 episodes and called it a season. RIP Mr. Griffith ❤

[KittyMama]

Many years ago, I named my son after him, because it was such an honor to do so. I grew up watching the show and was always impressed by Mr. Griffith's qualities on this show, which I felt were also his personal attributes.

[marywegrzyn]

God Bless him, for not wanting to leave his fans with anything but fond memories of him. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. His death was a private matter and was rightfully, treated as such. May he rest in peace forever.

[thecowboy]

The Andy Griffith Show was one of the most wholesome family shows that was ever aired on TV. And in my opinion, the only other actor that ever came close to matching Andy's fatherly warmth was Buddy Ebsen on The Beverly Hillbillies.

[kerrytackett]

I will always miss Andy Griffith. Just a good guy. God Bless.