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This sad news broke just after I'd gone to sleep last night, so I woke up to all these posts this morning. My condolences and best wishes to the family. I never got to meet Ben, but I got to know him a little through his autobiography. He had quite a life.

Mrs Alma your husband was the most amazing individual. I watched him as well as my son idolized him on the Dukes of Hazzard. I met your husband way back early on through my neighbor Mabel Jones Powell. I have one of his autographed pictures he sent me by mail. Autographed in blue sharpie still hanging in my garage. My prayers are with you and yours and I would love to meet you one day to say thanks.

Still can’t believe it Meadowmufn, doesn’t seem right you know? It’s 2:22am, as of the time of writing this. The bar here in town is closed, but when I’m able I’ll be stopping by my local Boars Nest in memory of Cooter. World is a lot sadder place to live in at the moment...

Ben Jones passed away today August 9, 2026. It’s a sad day for Dukes Of Hazzard fans and Ben’s family. My prayers are with Ben and his family.

Can’t believe he’s gone y’all. I heard the news today like many of us, and it hurts so bad. He was just this loving, kind and gentle soul. The very embodiment of what it means to be a Good Ol Boy. R.I.P to an absolute legend! - Tom Duke (Ontario, Canada)

I grew up watching the Duke boys and my son absolutely loved it. He wore the cowboy boots and white sleeveless t-shirts. We got to meet him in I think 98, in Virginia. What a great man.

I heard about it a little while ago…unbelievably devastating! Ben was probably the biggest advocate for the show, Duke Fests, events, and keeping the DOH spirit alive. It will never be the same, and I worry how long it will continue, without Ben.

Hi there everyone, with the loss of Ben Jones (Cooter) in these past few hours.. it’s set me to thinking. What about our dreams? Cooter followed his, not only achieving a solid career in US congress. But also opening up the Cooter’s Place museums, HazzardRun car shows, etc. So that leads me to my question, what’s your dream in life? We’re all given a short amount of time on this earth. And I reckon we should put it to good use. Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas! - Tom

Ben's wife Alma has announced that Ben passed away of a heart attack today. There was no greater advocate for the show than Ben. He kept the spirit alive all these years with fan events and Cooter's Place. This is devastating. Feel free to share any experiences meeting Ben, kind words, favorite Cooter moments on the show, etc.

I take deaths of the DOH stars very hard. I only met him once. That was on Oct 23, 1982. As I recall, that day was his first wife's 30th birthday. It was at a car show in Erie Pa. This is going to be a tough few days for me.....and millions of other fans. My condolences to all his fans here.

I posted an obituary here: https://www.hazzardnet.com/rip-ben-jones-1941-2026/

When you got to meet him, you felt like you were visiting an old friend again. He just made you feel that way. He'll be missed.

Like the ghost of Babe Ruth told Benny in The Sandlot "Heroes get remembered. But legends never die." ❤️

Just heard the sad news, a few hours ago. From my oldest brother, who him, and my other 2 brothers, gave me my nickname years ago. Cooter! Cuz i tinkered with anything car related. From probably 4 years old . From hotwheels to hubcaps and old vehicles. Im 42 now. Nickname means more to me now. As Cooter/Ben Jones, always went out of his way, to help those in need.I live by that rule also.We were raised that way. The RIGHT,and HONEST way. Respect for your elders, treat others the way , you would want to be treated….and be a decent human being……. We did lose a legend. But as the ol sayin goes…legends never die! Say hi to uncle Jesse and the others for me that we lost. Enjoy a peaceful rest Ben Jones. “I might be crazy, but i aint dumb….,Crazy Cooter comin atcha!” Its not goodbye, its so long. We’ll meet again on the other side.

One of my favorite episodes!

You got it. Mr. Haney is Sam the bartender in Season 2 Episode 1 (14) Days of Shine and Roses. 😀

I’m not totally sure…but, actor Pat Buttram made appearances on both Green Acres & Dukes of Hazzard. Both GA & DOH aired on CBS, and both were set in “fictional” farming/small town locations: GA in Hooterville, and DOH in Hazzard County, Georgia.

Unfortunately, it's true. His wife Alma confirmed he passed of a heart attack while waiting for the Braves' game to come on. He would've been happy to see them beat the Yankees today.

I grew up watching The Duke boys, and my son absolutely loved it to. We went and met him when he was in Virginia. He was so nice. Loved him on the show and he didn't disappoint in person. Great man.