This 1959 picture provided by NBC shows actor Pernell Roberts from the "Bonanza" television show. Roberts, the ruggedly handsome actor who shocked Hollywood by leaving TV's "Bonanza" at the height of its popularity, then found fame again years later on "Trapper John, M.D.," has died. He was 81. Roberts, the last surviving member of the classic Western's cast, died of cancer Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010 at his Malibu home, his wife Eleanor Criswell told the Los Angeles Times. (AP Photo/NBC) NO SALES

    Caroline Johnson can still remember watching Pernell Roberts walking down the steps of the high school the two attended in Waycross, Ga.

    Roberts, the actor best known as Adam Cartwright on the long running TV series “Bonanza,” died Jan. 24 at his Malibu, Calif., home from pancreatic cancer. He was 81.

    But Johnson, who has lived in Meridian for the past 59 years, remembers a much more youthful man who as she said, “Had a great deal more hair than later in life.”

    “He was very handsome, popular and very well liked,” said Johnson. “He never had a problem finding a girlfriend.”

    And this was long before he became a famous actor.

    Johnson said she and Roberts were both only children in their families. Although she said she never went out with him, Johnson said she probably ran into Roberts on many occasions during social events. She admitted her memory is not what it used to be but she knew for certain Roberts seemed to always get along with everyone.

    “He was just one of those nice guys you always hear about,” Johnson said.

    But when Roberts’ acting career began to take off with Bonanza, Johnson said she watched the show religiously. She said knowing someone who was a star and watching them each week on TV was really something special.

    Roberts also starred in the TV series “Trapper John M.D.,” which aired on CBS from 1979-1986.

    “We knew him when he was just a normal person and to see him up there every week, on such a popular show, well, it was exciting,” Johnson said.

    Johnson said she never met Roberts after the two graduated from high school, but her lasting memories of those long ago high school days are fond ones.

    “I was saddened when I read he had passed away but it also made me go back and remember those days in high school when we were so young and full of life,” Johnson said. “That was nice.”