Actor Joe Conley, who played country storekeeper Ike Godsey on 1970's TV family drama "The Walton," died Sunday at the age of 85.
Former co-star Mary Beth McDonough, who played Erin Walton, wrote a tribute to the actor on Facebook.
"It is a sad day," McDonough wrote. "So sorry to let you know Joe Conley, our beloved Ike Godsey, passed away this morning, please keep him, (wife) Louise, and his family in your prayers. RIP Mr. Godsey."
Conley's wife told the Los Angles Times, that her husband suffered from dementia and passed away at a care facility in Southern California.
Fellow co-star Ronnie Claire Edwards, who played Corabeth, also remembered her friend through Facebook.
"It was one of the greatest pleasures of my television career to Corabeth opposite Joe because he made me so much better," she wrote. "I share all of your grief and appreciate your many condolences. He will be greatly missed but, thankfully, we may enjoy this work for years to come in the many reruns of The Waltons."
Conley was born in Buffalo, N.Y. He began acting after returning home from military service in Korea. While acting Conley ran real-estate companies on the side. According to some reports, before the New York native received the role of Godsey he considered giving up acting to full become fully committed to the real estate business.
He played Ike Godsey in "The Waltons"' from the series start in 1972 throughout its nine seasons into the 80's. The show ended it's run in 1981. Conley returned for "Waltons" reunion movies. He also played a small role in the 2000 movie "Cast Away," starring Tom Hanks.
In 2009, Conley published his autobiography, "Ike Godey of Walton's Mountain."
He is Survived by his wife Louis and four children.
