The Beverly Hillbillies seemed to be one sitcom that stayed consistently funny. Everything was played for laughs. I can't remember a single scene that pulled at the heartstrings, or was even slightly sentimental. Am I wrong?

I think the closest they got to a touching moment, was in the first season episode: Getting Settled at the 8:20 mark. Check it out:

Getting Settled (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC9l5XcZVdU&index=2&list=PLDKIdNwa9rzN9hHHwqPfD5RpE8TuNHY6h)

yea, I agree. That scene always brings a lump to my throat especially when Jed says to Elly "Yo're th' livin' pitcher o' yore maw!" and hugs her.

Great scene.