Joe Conley, who played store owner Ike Godsey on “The Waltons”, has died. He was 85 years old.
Conley had suffered from dementia in his last days and was living in an assisted care facility at the time of his death, but up until 2002, he was still appearing on television and in films. His biggest recent role was as Joe Wally in “Castaway”, alongside Tom Hanks.
Conley was a New York native who started his acting career in the ’50s. He appeared on popular shows like “Lassie”, “Make Room For Daddy”, and “Dragnet” before landing the role on “The Waltons”.
Many of Conley’s former costars have taken to social media to share their grief; Ronnie Claire Edwards, who played Corabeth on the popular ’70s television show, said 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.”
Conley is survived by his wife Louise and their four children.
Thanks Ike for the the memories.. RIP. The Waltons actor Joe Conley, who played Godsey, dies aged 85 http://t.co/f21NSWsSwh via @DailyMailUS
— Penny (@parisdreams2014) July 10, 2013
Sad–a class act, too. Ike Godsey…The Waltons actor Joe Conley dies at 85 http://t.co/4IbcmHc323
— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) July 10, 2013
"Goodnight Ike" – The Waltons actor Joe Conley dies at 85 http://t.co/bGHNUVoTGs http://t.co/8Gb8m1Gjly
— Zulf (@Zulf_RadioDude) July 10, 2013
to the friends and family of actor Joe Conley (he played Ike Godsey on the Waltons), I am so very sorry for your loss. RIP JOE CONLEY.
— Martha Laden (@Ahtram173) July 10, 2013
