Wife Announces ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Star Who Played ‘Cooter’ Has Passed Away
benjamin Lewis Jones, an actor best known for playing Cooter Davenport on “Teh Dukes of Hazzard,” passed away suddenly at age 84 due to a heart attack. His wife, Alma Viator, announced his death, noting he was at home resting and had a full, rich life. Jones was born in 1941 and appeared in movies like “Moonrunners,” “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings,” and “Smokey and the Bandit.” His most prominent role was on the popular TV series “The Dukes of Hazzard,” which aired from 1979 to 1985, and he later expanded this fame into a business selling “Dukes of Hazzard” merchandise through his stores, Cooter’s Place.
Beyond acting, Jones had a accomplished political career, serving as a Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives for Georgia’s 4th District from 1989 to 1993. He was known for his conservative stance, especially regarding the Confederate flag, which he defended as a symbol of independence. Despite controversy, especially surrounding the flag’s association with race, he maintained his position, including his decision to continue selling Confederate flags at his stores during the 2015 debate.
Jones’s career also included stances that opposed the left’s efforts to demonize “The Dukes of Hazzard” for allegedly being racist. His legacy combines acting, entrepreneurship, and public service.
Benjamin Lewis Jones, the actor who played the friendly mechanic Cooter Davenport on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” died on Sunday at the age of 84.
Jones’ wife, Alma Viator, announced his sudden passing on Sunday afternoon in a post.
She said the businessman, actor, and former member of Congress died from a massive heart attack while at home.
“I lost the love of my life today,” she announced. “Ben passed from a massive heart attack.”
She added, “He was home resting in his favorite chair waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the Yankees. Ben had the most amazing rich full life.”
Viator concluded, “He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed. I loved him so so much.”
Jones was born in 1941 and appeared in “Moonrunners” in 1975 and “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” in 1976.
He also appeared in “Smokey and the Bandit” in 1977.
His biggest acting role came with the smash hit “The Dukes of Hazzard,” which ran from 1979 to 1985.
The role later followed him into a business career.
Jones opened stores called Cooter’s Place. The businesses sold merchandise for “Dukes of Hazzard” fans.
Jones also had a successful career in politics, winning two elections as a Democrat to the House of Representatives.
He represented Georgia’s 4th Congressional District from 1989 to 1993.
Jones later opposed the left, particularly as it related to an attempt to portray “Dukes of Hazzard” as racist.
Amid an uproar over Confederate flags from the left in 2015, Jones said his stores would continue selling them.
He also rejected the idea that the flag painted on the General Lee car in “Dukes of Hazzard” was in any way connected to race.
“I think all of Hazzard nation understands that the Confederate battle flag is the symbol that represents the indomitable spirit of independence,” Jones stated.
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