Ben Jones, best known for playing mechanic Cooter Davenport on "The Dukes of Hazzard," has died at 84.
According to Fox News, Jones died Sunday at his home in Washington, Virginia, after suffering what his wife described as a "massive heart attack."
He had been sitting in his favorite chair and waiting to watch the Atlanta Braves play the New York Yankees, according to his wife, Alma Viator.
"I lost the love of my life today," Viator wrote in a Facebook post. "Ben passed from a massive heart attack."
She said Jones "had the most amazing rich full life" and was deeply loved by those around him.
Rappahannock County Sheriff Connie Compton also confirmed Jones' Death.
Born Aug. 30, 1941, in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, Jones began his career on stage before moving into film and television.
His film credits included "Together For Days," "Moonrunners" and
"The Lincoln Conspiracy."
He made his television debut in an episode of "Movin' On" in 1976 and later appeared in "Nashville 99" and "The Magical World of Disney."
His biggest role came in 1979 when he joined "The Dukes of Hazzard" as Cooter Davenport, the friendly mechanic who operated Cooter's Garage and remained a trusted ally of the Duke family.
Jones appeared in more than 140 episodes during the show's original run, which ended in 1985. He later returned to the character in "The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!" and "The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood."
His final television appearance came in "Surface" in 2005, while his final film role was in the 2021 movie "Unbreakable."
Jones also pursued a career in politics. He served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Georgia's 4th Congressional District from 1989 to 1993.
His longtime co-star Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke, remembered Jones as "a fine friend" and "a fierce advocate" for the entertainment industry.
"I feel like we lost a Duke cousin today," Wopat said.