The only president this writer was privileged to meet, President Carter had a smile which captured many hearts throughout the world. Like his Godly Master revealed to him through his Biblical studies and teaching, he wrapped his heart around the cares of people — how and in what they would live, their food and their pure existence.
As the world celebrates Carter’s life, this writer finds it most rewarding to have met him and his dedicated companion, First Lady and wife Rosalyn, who preceded him in death. The couple visited the former Waycross Journal-Herald newspaper on Isabella street prior to his presidential election and, as he served Georgia as governor.
As the family page editor of the Waycross newspaper for many years, retiring in 1996, I was honored by my former publisher Jack Williams Jr. to be chosen to attend the dedication in 1986 of the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta. Mr. Williams, who died in 1992, possessed a gentle personality comparable to President Carter — a Godly man who always thought of others and strives to do God’s will in helping others. (Publisher Williams and his wife Margaret Williams also attended the dedication.)
Also known for his love and care of people, Publisher Williams Jr. made sure my friend Lillie De-Loach (Skinner) and I were guests at Atlanta’s Ritz Carlton Hotel and were driven in a limousine to the Carter Center. The visit and attendance at a most historic occasion made Lillie and I feel so special — wanting to shout, “God bless America!’’
The Center dedication was an elaborate occasion honoring the Carters in the beautiful setting. Many famous people, including Coretta Scott King (widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), talk show host Phil Donahue and others, were there to share in the memorable occasion.
The thousands of famous people and guests at the dedication included First Lady Rosalyn Carter and Mrs. Ronald Reagan (Nancy).
The occasion also featured the presence of President Ronald Reagan who offered Happy Birthday greetings to President Carter. In his praise of Carter, he said, “In his love of country, Carter is a man with a basic value — a faith that gives strength and joy.”
Responding to President Reagan, President Carter commented, “Here tonight are friends and supporters who have helped me all the way from the governorship of Georgia to the White House.‘’ Memories of foods, flowers and music drift through my mind, but actually meeting and chatting with the honored Presidential couple is sealed in my mind.
It is a joy to remember such an outstanding president who not only believed in our Savior Jesus Christ, but by faith practiced “Do unto others as you would have them do unto to you.’’ He showed love of God, love of family, love of friends in America and world wide and a great love for the greatest country of America.
America and Georgia’s President Carter was honored with many accolades including the Nobel Peace Prize for his vast humanitarian efforts. But he would say his most “treasured prize was serving his Lord and being with his Lord and Savior in Heaven.”
Today, all can visit the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta which President Carter described as: “The museum is a place where visitors can learn the history of our nation from the unique perspective of the presidency. It houses photographs and mementos of the Carters’ lives, their contributions to the nation and many other historic events of interest.”
