TOMMY 'TINY' LISTER

DEAD AT 62

7:08 PM PT -- A release from The L.A. County Sheriff's Department says friends and business associates of Lister became worried Thursday when they hadn't heard from him since Wednesday night. Deputies performed a welfare check where they made their way into his apartment and found him dead.

At this point, cops say it's believed that Lister died of natural causes ... but an autopsy will be performed to determine an official cause of death.

Ice Cube, who starred in 'Friday' posted a tribute, saying, "RIP Tiny “Deebo” Lister. America’s favorite bully was a born entertainer who would pop into character at the drop of a hat terrifying people on and off camera.  Followed by a big smile and laugh. Thank you for being a good dude at heart. I miss you already."

Tommy "Tiny" Lister -- famous for playing intimidating, but lovable tough guys in films like "Friday" -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us they got a call to the actor's Marina Del Rey apartment Thursday, just before 3 PM, for an unconscious male. Our sources say Tommy was not transported to the hospital, as he was pronounced dead on the scene.

We're told the coroner is at the home, but there's no word yet on a cause of death.