When a man carries a gun all the time, the respect he thinks he's getting might really be fear. So I don't carry a gun because I don't want the people of Mayberry to fear a gun. I'd rather they respect me.

Mornin', ladies. My goodness, don't you look happy. Must be cuttin' somebody up pretty good.

I am proud of being a Southerner. I wasn't about to let Southerners on my show be stupid or aw-shuckses who just sit on the front porch and spit in the yard. I wasn't about to do that, and I made that very clear from the start. I was kind of the gate-keeper on that stuff.

Religion has been an essential part of my life ever since I was baptised. My personal journey with God has been very important throughout my life.

Hymns are companions for life travelers.

When a man carries a gun all the time, the respect he thinks he's getting might really be fear. So I don't carry a gun because I don't want the people of Mayberry to fear a gun. I'd rather they respect me.

Well, do a good day's work and act like somebody.