Ben Jones (Cooter Davenport) 1941 - 2026 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 08-09-2026, 07:45 PM

https://www.wymt.com/2026/08/09/duke...-star-dies-84/

LURAY, Va. (WYMT) - Ben Jones, who played mechanic Cooter Davenport on the hit television show ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’, has died.

His wife posted on social media that Jones died of a massive heart attack at home Sunday. He was 84.

‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ ran for seven seasons on CBS, from 1979 to 1985. Jones appeared in all seasons.

Jones was also a business owner and served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1989 to 1993 when he lived in Georgia.

Many fans have probably visited ‘Cooter’s Place’, which is a ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ themed museum and store with three locations in Nashville, TN, Pigeon Forge, TN and Luray, VA.

Jones and his wife lived near their store in Luray, and Jones would often greet fans and sing there with ‘Cooter’s Garage Band’.

He and his wife also coordinated many ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ fan and reunion events through the years.

WYMT was at Cooter’s in Nashville for an event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the show in 2019. You can see that story again here.

Jones also appeared on ‘Issues and Answers’ with anchor Steve Hensley twice. The first time he was in the WYMT studio in 2015. He reflected on what made the ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ so popular.

“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.” You can see that entire interview again here.

The second appearance on Issues and Answers was virtual, alongside co-star Rick Hurst, who died last year. You can watch that again here.

Most of the stars of ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ have visited Hazard, Kentucky through the years for various events. In 2003, Jones was made an official ‘Duke of Hazard’ during the East Kentucky Leadership Conference in Hazard. That certificate would later hang in one of his museums.

Jones would have turned 85 later this month. Another ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ reunion event was planned in Luray to celebrate, alongside other cast members including Sonny “Enos” Shroyer, who will turn 91 August 28.

Many fans and co-stars are sharing tributes on social media.

The Dukes of Hazzard lost another integral part of their cast today. Ben Jones was a fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business. He will be sorely missed… Denver Pyle frequently said to Ben, “I’m not your Uncle Jesse!” But I feel like we lost a Duke cousin today. - Tom Wopat

TMC · 08-10-2026, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Dave Sundstrom honors the life and legacy of the actor best known for playing Cooter Davenport. This tribute explores a diverse career that spanned from classic television and film roles to service in the United States Congress, highlighting a multifaceted journey beyond the iconic automotive repair shop in Hazard County.

TMC · 08-12-2026, 05:43 PM

A post shared by on Jan 01, 2022 at 12:00pm PDT

Mr. Television · 08-12-2026, 11:05 PM

R.I.P. Ben. Never forget Crazy Cooter.

08-09-2026, 07:45 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,571	Ben Jones (Cooter Davenport) 1941 - 2026 https://www.wymt.com/2026/08/09/duke...-star-dies-84/ LURAY, Va. (WYMT) - Ben Jones, who played mechanic Cooter Davenport on the hit television show ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’, has died. His wife posted on social media that Jones died of a massive heart attack at home Sunday. He was 84. ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ ran for seven seasons on CBS, from 1979 to 1985. Jones appeared in all seasons. Jones was also a business owner and served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1989 to 1993 when he lived in Georgia. Many fans have probably visited ‘Cooter’s Place’, which is a ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ themed museum and store with three locations in Nashville, TN, Pigeon Forge, TN and Luray, VA. Jones and his wife lived near their store in Luray, and Jones would often greet fans and sing there with ‘Cooter’s Garage Band’. He and his wife also coordinated many ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ fan and reunion events through the years. WYMT was at Cooter’s in Nashville for an event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the show in 2019. You can see that story again here. Jones also appeared on ‘Issues and Answers’ with anchor Steve Hensley twice. The first time he was in the WYMT studio in 2015. He reflected on what made the ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ so popular. “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.” You can see that entire interview again here. The second appearance on Issues and Answers was virtual, alongside co-star Rick Hurst, who died last year. You can watch that again here. Most of the stars of ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ have visited Hazard, Kentucky through the years for various events. In 2003, Jones was made an official ‘Duke of Hazard’ during the East Kentucky Leadership Conference in Hazard. That certificate would later hang in one of his museums. Jones would have turned 85 later this month. Another ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ reunion event was planned in Luray to celebrate, alongside other cast members including Sonny “Enos” Shroyer, who will turn 91 August 28. Many fans and co-stars are sharing tributes on social media. The Dukes of Hazzard lost another integral part of their cast today. Ben Jones was a fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business. He will be sorely missed… Denver Pyle frequently said to Ben, “I’m not your Uncle Jesse!” But I feel like we lost a Duke cousin today. - Tom Wopat

08-12-2026, 05:43 PM	#3
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 128,147	A post shared by on Jan 01, 2022 at 12:00pm PDT A post shared by on Jan 01, 2022 at 12:00pm PDT

08-12-2026, 11:05 PM	#4
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,147	R.I.P. Ben. Never forget Crazy Cooter.
	__________________ Sonny