"Andy Griffith Show" marathons slated by TV Land in late actor's honor

Cast members from "The Andy Griffith Show," from left, Don Knotts as Deputy Barney Fife, Ron Howard as Opie Taylor and Andy Griffith as Sheriff Andy Taylor.

/ AP/Viacom, file

(CBS News) TV Land will honor the life and work of Andy Griffith who died today at the age of 86, by airing marathons of "The Andy Griffith Show."

Pictures: Andy Griffith: 1926-2012
Andy Griffith dead at 86

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Andy Griffith," said Larry W. Jones, president of TV Land. "His contributions to the entertainment industry and his role as Sheriff Andy Taylor will live forever in the minds and hearts of generations of television viewers past, present and yet to come. The entire TV Land staff will miss him and our thoughts go out to his family."

The network will play the show's most memorable episodes on July 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET/PT and then again on July 7-8 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET/PT.

In 2003, the network erected a statue in Raleigh, N.C., showing the show's famous opening sequence that features Andy Griffith and a young Ron Howard walking hand in hand. The following year, the cast was honored with the Legend Award at the 2nd Annual "TV Land Awards."

The network has also produced two retrospective specials on the series, "TV Land's Top 10: The Andy Griffith Show" and "Inside TV Land: The Andy Griffith Show."

25 Photos

Andy Griffith: 1926-2012

[SamEe14]

The original black & white series was hilarious, without being campy like 'Leave it to Beaver' or 'Father Knows Best' etc. Everyone loved 'The Andy Griffith Show', and it wasn't a gross, offensive, ridiculous stereotype of Southern culture like most Hollywood productions dealing with the region. Examples: 'Carter Country', 'Dukes of Hazzard', etc.

While there were "backwoods hicks" in the stories, there was also level-headed Andy, and who could forget the introspective Floyd the barber!

As far as the 'hicks', who could forget Mr. Darlin, his four boys, and his 'bug-eyed' daughter? hehe. "Sheriff, are you a court'n Darlene without my permission?"

Andy- "Now, Mr. Darlin..."

Mr. Darlin- "YOU just wait right there sheriff..."

People outside of the region often confuse the South with Appalachia, as if all the region is made up of "hillbillies" (an offensive apellation to Appalachians, btw).

And for those out there who've never seen Griffith's stand-up performances prior to his TV sitcom, check them out on youtube. Thanks for all the laughs Andy. We'll see you in heaven!