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Actor-Congressman Ben Jones Dies at 84 After Heart Attack

8/10/2026

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Summary

Ben Jones Dies

Ben Jones, actor and former Georgia congressman, died at 84 on Aug 9, 2026 after a massive heart attack while waiting for the Braves game, according to his wife Alma Viator.
He served two Democratic terms in Georgia’s 4th District (1989-1993) and lost to Newt Gingrich, Republican politician, after 1994 redistricting.
Tom Wopat, actor, posted on Instagram that the show lost an integral cast member, calling Jones a friend.

Summary

Jones Defends Flag

In 2015 Jones defended the Confederate battle-flag on the General Lee after Warner Bros. halted its merchandise.
From 2014 to 2018 he served as International Chief of Heritage Operations for the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Jones actively participated in 1960s civil-rights sit-ins and survived two Ku Klux Klan attacks.
He and Alma Viator opened the Cooter’s Place museum/store in Sperryville, Virginia in 1999.

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Ben Jones Dies

Ben Jones, actor and former Georgia congressman, died at 84 on Aug 9, 2026 after a massive heart attack while waiting for the Braves game, according to his wife Alma Viator.
He served two Democratic terms in Georgia’s 4th District (1989-1993) and lost to Newt Gingrich, Republican politician, after 1994 redistricting.
Tom Wopat, actor, posted on Instagram that the show lost an integral cast member, calling Jones a friend.

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