Cooter’s Place in Pigeon Forge confirms the death of the actor, who became a fan favorite as the lovable mechanic on the hit CBS series.

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Information Center) — Fans of The Dukes of Hazzard are mourning the loss of one of the show’s most recognizable stars.

Ben Jones, best known for playing mechanic Cooter Davenport on the classic television series, has died at age 84.

Cooter’s Place in Pigeon Forge confirmed Jones’ passing Sunday.

Jones’ wife, Alma Viator, shared the news, saying her husband died from a massive heart attack while at home resting in his favorite chair.

“I lost the love of my life today,” Viator wrote. “Ben passed from a massive heart attack. He was home resting in his favorite chair waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the Yankees.”

She described Jones as having “the most amazing rich full life,” adding that he “loved and was loved by so many.”

“I will miss him. I loved him so so much,” she wrote.

Jones became a household name playing Cooter Davenport, the mechanic and friend of Bo and Luke Duke, on The Dukes of Hazzard, which aired on CBS from 1979 through 1985. He appeared throughout the show’s seven-season run. (https://www.wymt.com)

His connection to the Smokies continued long after the television series ended.

Jones and Viator operated Cooter’s Place, a collection of Dukes of Hazzard-themed museums and stores, including the location in Pigeon Forge. The attraction gives fans a chance to see memorabilia, vehicles and other pieces of the show’s history. (Wikipedia)

Jones also pursued a career in politics, serving two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Georgia from 1989 to 1993. (https://www.wymt.com)

For generations of television viewers, however, he remained best known as “Cooter” — the good-natured mechanic who was always ready to help the Duke boys.

The news of Jones’ death prompted an outpouring of memories from fans of the long-running series Sunday.

Jones was 84.