‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Star Ben Jones Dies at 84
SPERRYVILLE, Va. — Ben Jones, best known for his role as Cooter Davenport on the popular television series “The Dukes of Hazzard,” died Sunday at his home. He was 84.
The announcement was made on social media by Jones’ wife, Alma Viator, on Sunday, Aug. 9.
In her post, Viator said:
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.
“The Dukes of Hazzard,” a weekly television series that premiered on CBS in 1979, followed the adventures of cousins Bo and Luke Duke in rural Hazzard County, Georgia.
Bo and Luke, joined by their cousin Daisy Duke and Uncle Jesse, were frequently at odds with corrupt county commissioner Boss Hogg and his right-hand man, Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane.
The show was known for its wild escapes and car chases, many featuring a bright orange, souped-up Dodge Charger known as the General Lee.
After a successful run, the series aired its final episode in February 1985.
A few years later, Jones, who played mechanic Cooter Davenport on the action-comedy series, turned his attention to Georgia politics.
Jones was elected to Congress from Georgia in 1988 and served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
After leaving Congress, Jones briefly returned to acting, appearing in several character roles and “Dukes of Hazzard” reunion specials.
In 1998, Jones and Viator bought a farm in Rappahannock County near Shenandoah National Park.
The following year, they opened Cooter’s Place, a “Dukes of Hazzard” museum and store. Although the television series had been off the air for more than a decade, the attraction quickly became popular with fans and tourists.
In 2017, the museum moved to a larger, more accessible location in Page County.
By then, Cooter’s Place locations had also opened in Gatlinburg and Nashville, Tennessee. The Page County location became known as Cooter’s in Luray.
Since then, the Luray attraction has hosted concerts, car shows and annual celebrations featuring cast members from “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
The location includes a museum and gift shop, Cooter’s tow truck, known as “the wrecker,” a General Lee Dodge Charger and Rosco’s police cruiser.
Over the years, “The Dukes of Hazzard” has maintained a devoted following, with thousands of fans visiting the Luray attraction and attending its special events.
A birthday celebration honoring “Dukes of Hazzard” star Sonny Shroyer is scheduled for Aug. 28 at Cooter’s in Luray.
Jones was also expected to celebrate his birthday, on August 30. He would have turned 85.
