Ralph Waite

Ralph Waite (June 22, 1928 – February 13, 2014) was an American actor. He is best known for his role as John Walton, Sr., on the 1970s CBS TV series "The Waltons". He played the slave ship third mate Slater in the mini-series "Roots".
Waite died on February 13, 2014, aged 85, from natural causes