Does anyone know if there was ever any mention of Sam's first wife on the show and if it was ever established whether Sam was divorced or widowed?

The reference books I've seen all say that Sam is a widower. I don't remember if it was ever mentioned on the show, though.

Maybe Sam's first wife ran off with Andy's first wife! It was not natural that either was never mentioned. Not only that, they didn't appear to have any living family either!

Gee there were many motherless kids on tv in the 50's and 60's
Sad. I know Andy remarried and he and Helen had a baby named Andy Jr. Gosh Opie was about age 15 at this time. No mention of other son on reunion shows. hmmm

Maybe Sam's first wife ran off with Andy's first wife! It was not natural that either was never mentioned. Not only that, they didn't appear to have any living family either!

According to articles I've read, Ken Berry has noted that the producers, (Andy Griffith included,) began grooming him as Andy's replacement. So I'm guessing that they wanted to stick as close as possible to the original format of TAGS. Plus I imagine that having a motherless environment made it easier for them to keep the character of Aunt Bee.

As you may remember, the first MRFD episode not only involved a wedding but Aunt Bee being asked by Sam to come to their farm to take care of his son Mike and his home. Just like the first episode of TAGS.

I guess it's not inconceivable that if MRFD had not been axed in the infamous "Get rid of every show with a tree" decree at CBS, the storyline could've involved the characters of Sam and Millie eventually getting married.

I watched The First episode of Mayberry R.f.D. and I dont Remember them saying anything about Sam First Wife.