Don Knotts
July 21, 1924 - February 24, 2006

While recovering from something similar to a hit-and-run, I was saddened to hear today that Don Knotts passed away over the weekend. As a kid growing up in small town MS, we frequently watched "The Andy Griffith Show". My Dad, the gardner reminded me a lot of the younger Andy Griffith with his black wavy hair and easy smile. Barney, his goofy sidekick never failed to give us all a good laugh with his crazy antics.

My favorite "Barney" episode was where he got dates for him and Andy with the "fun girls from Mount Pilot". As usual, the evening did not go exactly as Barney had intended and the rift he had with Thelma Lou only worsened when she got sight of them entering the courthouse. Naturally, Helen Crump, Andy's steady girl was along and this only got poor Andy into a jam. That's the thing about fun girls......they're fun but can be trouble. *winks*

Listed below is a list of 18 things I will always remember about the character Don Knotts embodied for so many years and even today still through the joys of syndication:

1. Bud nippin

2. The tweed suit

3. The bullet in his left pocket

4. Mrs. Mendlebright and the hot plate

5. The sidecar

6. Stretching Barney with a harness in the closet

7. Barney's karate

8. Barney in drag

9. The tainted cooler water

10 Barney's big solo in the choir

11.Barney locked in the ceil - AGAIN

12.The big bank robbery

13.Barney tickets Aunt Bea

14 Barney teaches Opie how to wrestle

15.Barney deputizes Otis, Goober and Gomer

16.Barney throws Andy and Helen an engagement party

17.The blue plate special

18.Barney buys a car

Although Don Knotts went on to star in "Three's Company" in the 70's-80's as the pesky landlord, Mr. Roper, along with several movies, for me, he will forever be Barney Fife. So long ole friend, rest well.