RIP Ben Jones

[Meadowmufn]

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.

[MonacoMan]

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. 

[Melissa Wilson]

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.

[Melissa Wilson]

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. 

[Steve Evans]

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.

[HossC]

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.