John Witherspoon will forever be remember had America’s Pops. The late actor was found unconscious in his Sherman Oaks residence at 77 years old. “It is with deep sadness we have to tweet this, but our husband & father John Witherspoon has passed away. He was a legend in the entertainment industry, and a father figure to all who watched him over the years. We love you ‘POPS’ always & forever,” his family wrote in a statement.

TMZ reported details on his death that were linked to heart-related ailments. According to publications, Witherspoon was suffering from a coronary artery disease along with hypertension. He was pronounced dead at 5:30 pm PST on October 29, 2019.

“So…my Dad died today & honestly I’m not sure how to feel. I’m sad, but I’m also happy 4 all the great times we had together. We’d roast each other like homies more than Father & Son, and I really liked that. He was my best friend & my idol. Love U Dad…I’ll miss u,” Witherspoon’s son posted on Twitter.

So…my Dad died today & honestly I’m not sure how to feel. I’m sad, but I’m also happy 4 all the great times we had together. We’d roast each other like homies more than Father & Son, and I really liked that. He was my best friend & my idol.

Love U Dad…I’ll miss u.

– J.D. pic.twitter.com/zvzep5S11I

— J.D. (@jdwitherspoon) October 30, 2019