Waltons Actor Joe Conley Dead: Loved Actor Dies Aged 85 (VIDEO)
Actor Joe Conley, famous for his role in "The Waltons," has died aged 85 on Sunday.
Conley played warm-hearted country storekeeper Ike Godsey in the 1970s TV family drama "The Waltons."
His death was confirmed by former co-star Mary Beth McDonough, who played Erin Walton, in a post on Facebook.
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McDonough wrote, " It is a sad day. So sorry to let you know Joe Conley, our beloved Ike Godsey, passed early this morning , please keep him, (wife) Louise, and his family in your prayers . RIP Mr. Godsey."
The actor's family has reported that Conley, who suffered from dementia in late life, passed away while at a care facility in Newbury Park, California.
Actress Ronnie Claire Edwards, who played Corabeth, has paid tribute to the actor, posting on her Facebook page, "It was one of the greatest pleasures of my television career to play Corabeth opposite Joe because he made me so much better."
She added, "I share all of your grief and appreciate your many condolences. He will be greatly missed but, thankfully, we may enjoy his work for years to come in the many reruns of The Waltons."
Eric Scott, who played Ben Walton, also took to social media to state, "A sad day.....Our beloved Joe Conley passed away yesterday morning. I always loved him and will miss him dearly. Please keep his wife Louise and his wonderful family in your thoughts and prayers."
Marc Berman, editor-in-chief of TV Media Insights, the first media outlet to report Conley's death has said, "Dramas like 'The Waltons' have never received the attention they deserve, unfortunately, due to the nature of the family-friendly storytelling. But the overwhelming response to the passing of Joe Conley only proves its value and the importance of the supporting cast."
Conley was born in Buffalo, NY and went into acting after returning from military service in Korea. He reportedly had just decided to give up on acting when he won the role of Godsey on "The Waltons."
