Andy Griffith `` created an aura of reality on the set , '' Barbara Eden says . Griffith `` was prepared for the day he would be called Home to his Lord , '' his wife says . He `` warmed the hearts of Americans everywhere , '' President Obama says . The first time I saw him in person was at a White House reception with my father and mother when I was about 10 years old. -- Cindi Griffith , Andy Griffith 's wife : `` Andy was a person of incredibly strong Christian faith and was prepared for the day he would be called Home to his Lord . '' Griffith 's `` pursuit of excellence ... shaped my life ''
Andy Griffith `` created an aura of reality on the set , '' Barbara Eden says . Griffith `` was prepared for the day he would be called Home to his Lord , '' his wife says . He `` warmed the hearts of Americans everywhere , '' President Obama says . The first time I saw him in person was at a White House reception with my father and mother when I was about 10 years old. Griffith 's `` pursuit of excellence ... shaped my life ''