Ralph Waite, beloved actor best known for his role as John Walton Sr. on memorable 1970's sitcom "The Waltons," died on Thursday in Palm Desert, California.

The octogenarian left behind a $2 million estate from his career in films and television. 

Ralph Waite was a Presbyterian preacher before deciding on a career as an actor. His iconic run as the patriarch of a Depression era family, all of them living on a lumber mill in the mountains of Appalachia, won him an Emmy nomination in 1978.

The much-loved actor also played in roles such as Father Matt on "Days of Our Lives," and Jackson Gibbs on NCIS. He had a degree from Yale University Divinity School.

In addition to his careers in acting and the ministry, Waite also ran for congress unsuccessfully three times.

His third wife to whom he was married at the time of his death is Linda East. He has two surviving daughters from his first marriage to Beverly Waite and a step-son, Liam Waite, who is also an actor.

There is no word on who will receive the bulk of the estate as of yet.