Joe Conley was an American actor best known for his role as storekeeper “Ike Godsey” in The Waltons, along with appearances in films like Cast Away and Impure Thoughts. Born on March 3, 1928, in Buffalo, New York, he had a successful acting and writing career until his passing on July 7, 2013.
Personal and Family Life
Joe Conley was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. After serving in the military during the Korean War, he shifted his focus to acting while also managing real-estate businesses. He was married to Jacqueline Stakes from 1959 until their divorce in 1966, with whom he had two children. Later, he married Louise Teecher in 1969, and they also welcomed two children together.
Death and Legacy
Joe Conley passed away on July 7, 2013, in Newbury Park, California, though the cause of death was not disclosed. He is remembered fondly for his iconic role in The Waltons and for sharing his experiences through his autobiography, “Ike Godsey of Walton’s Mountain,” published in 2009. His work continues to inspire and entertain viewers, leaving a lasting impact on television history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Case of Patty Smith | 1962-05-01 | Johnny |
| Blueprint for Robbery | 1961-02-01 | Jock McGee |
| Juvenile Jungle | 1958-04-24 | Duke |
| Impure Thoughts | 1986-11-25 | Father Minnelli |
| 80 Steps to Jonah | 1969-12-01 | Gas Station Attendant |
| A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion | 1993-11-21 | Ike Godsey |
| Crime of Passion | 1956-12-28 | Delivery Boy |
| Cast Away | 2000-12-22 | Joe Wally |
| A Nice Little Bank That Should Be Robbed | 1958-12-01 | Benjy |
| A Walton Wedding | 1995-02-12 | Ike Godsey |
| Mother’s Day on Waltons Mountain | 1982-05-02 | Ike Godsey |
| A Day for Thanks on Waltons Mountain | 1982-11-22 | Ike Godsey |
| A Wedding on Waltons Mountain | 1982-02-02 | Ike Godsey |
| When Hell Broke Loose | 1958-11-01 | Rookie |
| All Hands on Deck | 1961-03-30 | Sailor (uncredited) |
| The Brady Bunch | 1969-09-26 | |
| Dragnet | 1951-12-16 | |
| Gunsmoke | 1955-09-10 | Carl |
| The Waltons | 1972-09-14 | Ike Godsey |
| Lassie | 1954-09-12 | |
| Dennis the Menace | 1959-10-04 | |
| Richard Diamond, Private Detective | 1957-07-01 | Bartender |
| Mister Ed | 1961-01-05 | |
| Green Acres | 1965-09-15 | |
| The Beverly Hillbillies | 1962-09-26 | |
| Knight Rider | 1982-09-26 | Manager #1 |
| Felony Squad | 1966-09-12 | |
| Bracken’s World | 1969-09-19 | |
| The Adventures of Jim Bowie | 1956-09-07 | |
| Wanted: Dead or Alive | 1958-09-06 | Henry Jackson |
| The Carol Channing Show | 1966-01-01 | Sailor |
| Richard Diamond, Private Detective | 1957-07-01 | Joe |
| Alfred Hitchcock Presents | 1955-10-02 | Insurance Agent |
| Dennis the Menace | 1959-10-04 | Open House Looker (uncredited) |
| Mister Ed | 1961-01-05 | Charley Grant |
| Stagecoach West | 1960-10-04 | Henry |
| Dinah! | 1974-10-21 | Self |