Waltons Star Joe Conley Dead at 85

Veteran actor portrayed storekeeper Ike Godsey on long-running TV series

By Peter Gicas Jul 10, 2013 5:31 PMTags
Joe Conley, WaltonsCBS

Joe Conley, best known for playing the kindly storekeeper Ike Godsey on the popular TV series The Waltons, died on Sunday. He was 85.

News of the veteran actor's death was confirmed by his wife, Louise, who told the Los Angeles Times that her husband had dementia and passed away at a care facility in Newbury Park, Calif.

Conley began playing Godsey in 1972 and remained with the hit CBS program until it ended in 1981. He also appeared in all six of the show's reunion movies that were made following its run.

The Buffalo, N.Y., native began his acting career in the 1950s and appeared on several TV series prior to The Waltons including Mister Ed, Lassie, Make Room for Daddy, Dragnet, Dennis the Menace, Green Acres and The Beverly Hillbillies.

He also appeared in the 2000 Tom Hanks film Cast Away as well as dozens of commercials.

Conley, whose mother was a vaudeville entertainer, served in the Korean War before pursuing an acting career.

In 2009, Conley published his autobiography, Ike Godsey of Walton's Mountain.

In addition to Louise, his wife of 44 years, Conley is survived by four children.

Meanwhile, several of Conley's costars have taken to social media to remember the actor.

"It is a sad day," Mary Beth McDonaugh, who played Erin Walton, wrote on her Facebook page, "Please keep him, Louise, and his fammily in your prayers. RIP Mr. Godsey."

Eric Scott, who played Ben Walton, shared his thoughts as well, posting on Facebook, "I always loved him and will miss him dearly. Please keep his wife Louise and his wonderful family in your thoughts and prayers."

And Ronnie Claire Edwards, who played Corabeth Walton, noted on Facebook, "It was one of the greatest pleasures of my television career to play Corabeth opposite Joe because he made me so much better. 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."