Dukes of Hazzard Tributes Archives

RIP Ben Jones (1941-2026)

Benjamin Lewis Jones, known to millions as Cooter Davenport on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” died Sunday at his home. He was 84. His wife, Alma Viator, said he suffered a massive heart attack while settling in to watch a baseball game.

Jones was born August 30, 1941, in Tarboro, North Carolina, and grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia, in a house near the docks that had no electricity or indoor plumbing for years. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1959, spent a year at East Carolina College, and went on to study radio, television and film at the University of North Carolina.

He landed the role of Cooter, Hazzard County’s mechanic and the man who ran the garage across from the sheriff’s office, and stayed with it for all seven seasons of the show, appearing in 141 episodes between 1979 and 1985. Fans knew his voice on the CB as well as his face: “Breaker one, breaker one, I might be crazy, but I ain’t dumb.” He also appeared in “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” and “Smokey and the Bandit.”

Jones left acting behind for a stretch to run for office, and served two terms representing Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives, from 1989 to 1993. He later returned to the character that made him famous, building Cooter’s Place into a string of museums and stores in Luray, Virginia, and Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and starting Dukesfest and Hazzard Homecoming so fans of the show would have somewhere to gather every year. He was integral in keeping the spirit of the show alive for current and future fans.

I got to meet him several times over the years, and every single time it felt like catching up with an old friend rather than meeting a celebrity. That was just who he was. He had a gift for putting people at ease, and you could talk to him about anything and he’d lean in like you were the most interesting person in the room. He was a natural storyteller, the kind who could turn a simple hello into a ten-minute conversation you didn’t want to end, and he clearly loved the fans who kept showing up to hear those stories, year after year.

He is survived by his wife, Alma, and his children, Rachel and Walker.

If you’d like to leave a remembrance of Ben, you can do so in our forums 👉🏼 https://hazzardnet.com/forums/topic/20148-rip-ben-jones/

Flying Again: Raymond Kohn’s General Lee Jump Thrills Fans in Somerset, KY

Flying Through the Air Again: The Spirit of the General Lee Lives On

On a summer day in Somerset, Kentucky, fans of The Dukes of Hazzard were treated to a spectacular sight—a modern-day General Lee (really a Crown Vic dressed up as the General) soaring through the air in a tribute jump that channeled the heart-pounding energy of the original TV series. Behind the wheel was Raymond Kohn, founder of the Northeast Ohio Dukes, known for his daring recreations of classic stunts from the show.

It may come as no surprise that Raymond Kohn is a huge Dukes of Hazzard fan. His jumps aren’t random—they’re calculated, choreographed, and executed with reverence for the legacy of the General Lee and the countless stunt professionals who brought it to life between 1979 and 1985.

The Somerset Event: A Celebration of Speed and Spirit

Held during the Somernites Cruise, Somerset’s nationally recognized car show series, the event drew thousands of spectators eager to witness a real-life General Lee launch into the air. The jump was staged on a ramp with a specially prepped 1969 Dodge Charger—orange paint, decals, and all.

As the crowd roared, Kohn gunned the engine, hit the ramp, and sent the General Lee flying just like Bo and Luke would have done—if they had a little more safety gear and GPS telemetry. The path of the jump was right through the water gushing from the Somerset fountain, dyed blue for the event.

The landing was rough—as they always were—but the Charger held together just long enough to complete the tribute. As always, it was a one-and-done stunt. Just like in the show, these cars don’t get second chances.

For fans of The Dukes of Hazzard, seeing a General Lee in flight isn’t just a spectacle—it’s a reminder of what made the show iconic: action, fun, rebellion, and just enough wild charm to make you cheer. Raymond Kohn keeps that legacy alive, not just through his jumps, but through the incredible amount of care and respect he and his team puts into each one.

It’s not about breaking records—it’s about honoring a moment in TV history when cars flew, the good guys ran moonshine for good reasons, and a Dodge Charger could defy gravity on a weekly basis.

And when that Charger leaves the ground—even for just a few seconds—it brings back the thrill of outrunning Boss Hogg and Rosco P. Coltrane, one more time.

Got a favorite General Lee moment? Or were you in Somerset to witness this incredible jump? Share your memories in our forums and keep the spirit of Hazzard alive.

Remembering Rick Hurst: A Kind Soul and Hazzard Legend

January 1, 1946 – June 25, 2025

It is with great sadness that we at HazzardNet mark the passing of Rick Hurst, best known to Dukes of Hazzard fans as the lovable and bumbling Deputy Cletus Hogg. He passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 79.

Rick brought heart, humor, and humanity to the role of Cletus, making him a fan favorite across generations. But beyond the screen, Rick was every bit as warm and genuine as the character he played. He wasn’t just an actor we admired—he was a man we were lucky to meet in person.

I had the honor of meeting Rick on the set of the first Dukes of Hazzard reunion movie and again on the set of the second. Over the years, I also had the pleasure of speaking with him at several fan events. Each time, he greeted me with a big smile and an open heart. We shared wonderful conversations, and I always walked away feeling like I’d just caught up with an old friend.

Rick had a special way of making fans feel seen and appreciated. He loved being part of the Dukes family and was deeply grateful for the fans who kept its spirit alive. Whether on a convention stage or just chatting in the autograph line, he gave his full attention, always ready with a story or a laugh.

His passing is a loss to the Dukes of Hazzard community and to all who knew him. But his kindness, his talent, and the joy he brought to so many lives will never be forgotten.

Rest easy, Rick. Hazzard County won’t be the same without you.

The Funeral of Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane

This story was written many years ago in response to a fan fiction challenge involving death. The story was never finished, but I thought this section of it would be appropriate to share now.

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The Funeral of Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane

The low murmur of voices quieted in reverence as the minister neared the front of the sanctuary. People quickly took their seats. The minister laid his notes on the podium and surveyed the audience. He cleared his throat, shuffled the papers, and then began his funeral sermon.

“I am very heartened today to see so many familiar and even some unfamiliar faces here today to honor our fallen sheriff, Rosco Coltrane.”

The minister bowed his head for a moment, collecting his thoughts and glancing at his notes. Sniffles could be heard throughout the room during the momentary silence.

“While it is natural to grieve for Rosco, we must also celebrate. We must celebrate his life and we must celebrate his death. For in death, he has achieved eternal life. For the scriptures say, in Revelations 21:4, ‘death is the end of troubles, trials, pain, sorrow, and fear.’ We should rejoice for Rosco! Who here would not want eternal life, with no pain, no sorrow, none of the troubles that plague us in this life?”

Many audience members nodded in agreement. The minister walked towards the casket and gestured to it.

“This body here, many of you may think is your friend, your kin, the acquaintance you know as Rosco Coltrane. But it is not. It is just a vessel. His spirit has already gone to be with the Lord. A famous preacher once explained during a funeral sermon that the body being emptied of the soul is very much like a pecan. ‘All we have left is the empty shell, the nut is gone.’”

The mourners laughed despite their tears. Many of them thought to themselves just how true that assessment was. The minister shook his head, laughed, and then confessed softly “I’ve always loved that one.”

The minister’s smile faded slowly and he continued the sermon.

“In Ecclesiastes 12:7, the Bible tells us ‘Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.’ And that’s where our brother Rosco’s spirit is now, with his Creator. Be comforted by that truth. Find joy in it, brothers and sisters. For all of us here shall find that joy and that truth some day ourselves.”

The minister made a wide sweeping gesture with his arm. “I think it can honestly be said that Rosco had an impact on every person here today. He also had an impact on Mrs. Baxley’s trash cans, Mr. Terwilliger’s fence, the Hazzard Theater, Rhuebottom’s General Store, most of the trees on Route 7-11, and Hazzard Pond.”

The church erupted in laughter again. Several folks shook their heads, admitting “Yeah, that’s Rosco alright.” The Dukes were especially amused, considering it was while Rosco chased them that most of those ‘impacts’ occurred.

“But seriously, none of you would be here today if Sheriff Coltrane hadn’t somehow touched your life, made an impact in it. He served this community many, many years as best he could. He wasn’t perfect,” the minister confessed. “But none of us are. We are all sinners who need the grace of God. But all is forgiven and made perfect, through Christ, for those that believe in Him.”

The minister talked for another fifteen minutes or so, touching on Rosco’s life and what heaven had in store for him. He ended the sermon with a request for the audience members.

“As we leave here today, I want all of you to think about Rosco, what he meant to you, what he meant to this community. While I was writing this sermon, I did a lot of just that. It’s very hard to sum up just who a person was, but I’ll give it my best try…”

“The Rosco I knew was quick to find the joy in life, loved to laugh… boy, did he love to laugh,” the minister smiled, as did most of the audience, silently recalling the sheriff’s trademark giggle. The minister glanced at Rosco’s friends and family, “He was fiercely loyal to those he loved.” The minister then turned his attention to the casket, “He was a person worth knowing. He was a kind and gentle soul that will be missed. We must say our last goodbyes, brother Rosco, but know that you won’t soon be forgotten.”

Remember Me With Laughter

Remember Me With Laughter
a poem by James Best

When the autumn leaves are falling.
To cover the earth with gold.
As time runs out for the aged.
So little time left for the old.

Just to see one more Spring
Or to live for just one more fall
Would be a blessing.
That’s all this old man’s asking.
Just a few more months. That’s all.

A few more moments with loved ones.
To say how much I cared.
And talk of the fun and laughter
That we have always shared.

We’ll speak of all the loving times.
As we look back in the past.
But now must face the painful truth
That good times never last.

For soon now I must leave you
But my memory will not die.
For I shall always be, with you
If within your heart you’ll try
To just remember me with laughter,
That way you’ll never cry.