Beloved Television Mechanic, Former Congressman Dead At 84

“The Dukes of Hazzard” actor and former Democrat Georgia congressman Ben Jones died in his Virginia home at the age of 84.

His wife, Alma Viator, announced his death Sunday on Facebook, saying he died of a “massive heart attack.” She shared a photo of Jones with a dog on his lap alongside a heartfelt caption that read, “I lost the love of my life today.”

“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.”

Viator continued, “Ben had the most amazing rich full life.”

Viator shared a personal note while paying tribute to her late husband’s personal accomplishments.

“He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed. I loved him so so much,” she wrote.

Jones began his career as a stage actor before breaking into film and television roles in the early 1970s. He had minor roles in “Smokey and the Bandit” and “Moonrunners,” which went on to be the basis for “The Dukes of Hazzard,” where he was best known for playing country mechanic Cooter Davenport.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3Hb_J3T4NM

Jones appeared in a total of 141 episodes of the iconic show, quickly winning over fans across the globe for his portrayal of the lovable mechanic from 1979 to 1985.

His other notable credits include “The Magical World of Disney,” “Jack,” “Primary Colors,” and “Sliders.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg7KMjKKTg4

Jones traded in acting for politics when he launched a run for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1985 as a Democrat, challenging Republican Pat Swindall, who won in 1986. He returned to face off for Georgia’s 4th Congressional District in 1988, and was victorious after Swindall was indicted on charges of perjury.

Jones won again in 1990 and served in that seat for two terms, before he returned to acting in a number of “The Dukes of Hazzard” reunion shows and specials. He took on roles in “Primary Colors” and “Joe Gould’s Secret” in 2000.

Jones released his memoir, “Redneck Boy in the Promised Land,” in 2007. (RELATED: Perez Hilton’s Family Breaks Silence After Self-Harm Livestream

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He made off-screen headlines for his defense of the Confederate battle flag in 2015, standing firm on his assertion that the flag served as a symbol of heritage and pride on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” but did not have any ties to slavery or racism.

Tributes continue to pour in on social media as fans mourn the loss of a beloved star and passionate politician.