Ralph Waite
Ralph Waite Waite at the 40th anniversary of The Waltons on September 29, 2012 Born (1928-06-22)June 22, 1928 White Plains, New York, U.S. Died February 13, 2014(2014-02-13) (aged 85) Palm Desert, California, U.S. Cause of death Age-related illnesses Resting place White Plains Rural Cemetery Nationality American Occupation Actor, voice artist, and political activist Years active 1954–2014 Spouse(s) Beverly Waite (1951–1966) Kerry Shear Waite (1977–1981) Linda East (1982–2014) Children 2 daughters (+ 1 daughter deceased) Parents Ralph H. Waite and Esther (née Mitchell) Waite Ralph Waite (June 22, 1928 – February 13, 2014) was an American actor, voice artist, and political activist, best known for his role as John Walton, Sr. on The Waltons, which he occasionally directed. In addition, Waite appeared in many guest roles on numerous television series, most recently in a recurring role in NCIS as the father of Leroy Jethro Gibbs.