I was very nervous. When I first met him and walked up to...

I was very nervous. When I first met him and walked up to him, everyone was telling me to be sure and stay in character so he can enjoy it, and I got up to him and I froze. I patted him on the shoulder and I said, 'God bless you, Mr. Knotts.' But we talked and he was very kind. We got our picture made and I got an autograph. He was a real gentleman, very cordial, very humble. I was very sad when I heard he had passed away. I always dreaded that day, because he's my hero.