ATLANTA — Ben Jones, the actor who became widely known as Cooter Davenport on the television series The Dukes of Hazzard and later served two terms in Congress representing Georgia’s 4th District, died Saturday at age 84, his wife said.
Death at home, family statement
Jones died at his home from a heart attack, according to a Facebook post by his wife, Alma Viator. In her post, Viator described Jones as resting in his favorite chair and noted his love of baseball — saying he was waiting for the Atlanta Braves to play the New York Yankees when he suffered the fatal attack.
“I lost the love of my life today. Ben passed from a massive heart attack. 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. He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed. I loved him so so much,” Viator wrote.
At this time, it is not known whether public memorial services or funeral arrangements have been planned.
From southern actor to TV star
Jones built a long career in film and television before his time in Congress. He relocated to Atlanta in 1969, and his early screen work included roles in films such as Together for Days (1972) and The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976). He appeared in other 1970s features including Smokey and the Bandit and The Lincoln Conspiracy.
He is best remembered for playing Cooter Davenport, the affable mechanic who ran Cooter’s Garage in the fictional Hazzard County on The Dukes of Hazzard. The role brought him national recognition and enduring association with the series.
Political career in Washington
After his run on television, Jones entered electoral politics as a Democrat. He served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Georgia’s 4th District from 1989 to 1993. His move from entertainment to elected office mirrored a period when public figures from show business increasingly sought political roles.
Jones later even returned briefly to the screen in a role that echoed his real-life service, portraying a congressman in the television movie The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!
Stage work and earlier film roles
In addition to film and television, Jones acted in theater productions and appeared in the 1968 film Killers Three, which was set in North Carolina and starred Robert Walker Jr., Diane Varsi and Dick Clark. His acting career spanned decades and included both leading and supporting parts across mediums.
- Notable TV role: Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard
- Cited film appearances: Together for Days, The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings, Smokey and the Bandit
- Congressional service: U.S. House, Georgia’s 4th District, 1989–1993
Timeline of select milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1968 | Appeared in film Killers Three |
| 1969 | Relocated to Atlanta |
| 1972–1978 | Film roles including Together for Days, Smokey and the Bandit |
| 1989–1993 | Served two terms in U.S. House representing GA-4 |
Jones’ life and career reflected deep ties to the South and to Georgia. His television character, arguably one of the most recognizable from a series tied to rural Southern settings, remained a touchstone of popular culture for decades.
As of this report, details on memorial plans or public services had not been released. News outlets cited Viator’s social media post and reporting from The Hollywood Reporter in compiling early accounts of Jones’ death.
Jones’ passing removes a figure whose professional life bridged entertainment and public service in ways that resonated locally and nationally.
