George Lindsey, the Southern-born character actor who played Gomer Pyle’s genial cousin, gas station attendant and auto mechanic Goober on The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry R.F.D.,  died early yesterday morning at a healthcare center in Nashville, Tennessee, after a brief illness. He was 83. Lindsey later was a regular on the country music comedy show Hee Haw. “George Lindsey was my friend,” said Andy Griffith, who had spoken to Lindsey just days ago. “I had great respect for his talent and his human spirit. I am happy to say that as we found ourselves in our 80s, we were not afraid to say, ‘I love you.’ That was the last thing George and I had to say to each other. ‘I love you.’ ” (LA Times)