Ben Jones, beloved for his role as the mechanic Cooter Davenport on the iconic television series ‘The Dukes of Hazzard,’ has passed away at the age of 84. His wife announced on social media that he succumbed to a massive heart attack at their home on Sunday.
Legacy of ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’
‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ aired for seven seasons on CBS from 1979 to 1985, with Jones appearing in all episodes. During its run, the show captivated audiences with its blend of comedy and adventure, making Cooter a memorable character for many fans. Jones’s contribution went beyond acting; he was also an entrepreneur and served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1989 to 1993 while living in Georgia.
Cooter’s Place and Community Engagement
Fans of the show may have visited ‘Cooter’s Place,’ a themed museum and store dedicated to ‘The Dukes of Hazzard,’ with locations in Nashville, TN, Pigeon Forge, TN, and Luray, VA. Jones and his wife resided near their Luray store, where he often interacted with fans, singing alongside ‘Cooter’s Garage Band.’ Over the years, the couple coordinated numerous fan gatherings and reunion events celebrating the legacy of the show.
A Fond Farewell
In 2019, WYMT reported from Cooter’s in Nashville during a 40th-anniversary event for ‘The Dukes of Hazzard.’ Jones spoke on the show’s enduring appeal during an interview on ‘Issues and Answers’ with anchor Steve Hensley. “They see Cooter and smile, or the car (the General Lee) or Daisy, they smile… our show made people happy and it didn’t matter what color they were or where they were from or what their politics were, it made people happy,” he reflected. That interview can be revisited here.
Jones made a second appearance on ‘Issues and Answers’ virtually alongside co-star Rick Hurst, who passed away last year. Over the years, many ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ stars have visited Hazard, Kentucky for various events. In 2003, Jones was honored with an official title as a ‘Duke of Hazard’ during the East Kentucky Leadership Conference in Hazard, an accolade that was later displayed in one of his museums.
Tributes from Fans and Co-stars
Jones was set to celebrate his 85th birthday later this month, with a reunion event planned in Luray featuring fellow cast members, including Sonny “Enos” Shroyer, who will turn 91 on August 28. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and co-stars alike on social media, marking the loss of a cherished figure in American television history.
