Ben Lewis Jones, the American actor and politician best known for playing mechanic Cooter Davenport on "The Dukes of Hazzard," died on Saturday, August 9, after suffering a heart attack at his home. He was 84.
His wife, Alma Viator, announced his death in a Facebook post. She wrote that she lost the love of her life, and that Ben died of a massive heart attack while resting at home in his favorite chair, waiting for the Atlanta Braves game to start so he could watch them beat the New York Yankees.
Viator said Ben had a wonderful, full and rich life, that he loved many people and was loved by them in return, and that he would be deeply missed. She shared her tribute alongside a photo of the actor.
Role as Cooter Davenport
On the iconic 1980s series, Jones played Cooter Davenport, the small town mechanic and close friend of the Duke family. His character, nicknamed "crazy Cooter," was an accomplice in the adventures of Bo and Luke Duke.
A brief run in politics
After his success on "The Dukes of Hazzard," Jones launched a political career as a Democrat in Georgia, winning election in 1988 and 1990. His time in politics was short lived, and he left the party in the late 1990s after demanding explanations from then President Bill Clinton over his impeachment process, returning afterward to acting.
Later roles
His work on "The Dukes of Hazzard" remained the most recognized part of his acting career. He later returned to the franchise for the television films "The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!" in 1997 and "The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood" in 2000.
