Departures of note

Benjamin Lewis Jones was born on August 30, 1941, in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, and grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia. He began acting while attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, performing in regional theater and summer stock productions. Jones moved to Atlanta in 1969, where he became a fixture of the local theater scene before landing the role of Cooter Davenport on the CBS series The Dukes of Hazzard, a part he played for seven seasons from 1979 to 1985.

Beyond his acting career, Jones entered politics as a Democrat and was elected to the United States House of Representatives from Georgia's 4th district, serving from 1989 to 1993. During his two terms, he focused on issues such as education, civil rights, and veterans' affairs. After leaving Congress, he returned to acting and writing, authoring several plays and essays, and remained active in community and heritage organizations.

Jones also served as the International Chief of Heritage Operations for the Sons of Confederate Veterans from 2014 to 2018, reflecting his involvement in historical preservation. He overcame a long‑standing drinking problem earlier in life and was remembered for his contributions to both entertainment and public service. He died on August 9, 2026, at the age of 84.