Former President Jimmy Carter, the affable Georgia peanut farmer who rose from humble beginnings to become President of the United States, has been mourned around the world and locally following his death Sunday, December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains. He was 100.
President Carter served as a Georgia State Senator, Governor from 1971-1975 and President of the United States from 1977-1981.
A state funeral for the former president is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, January 9, at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. After the service, Carter will be returned home for burial under a willow tree near his home in Plains.
The Postal Service will suspend regular operations tomorrow, Jan. 9, in observance of Carter’s memory.
Regular operations will resume Friday, Jan. 10.
He returned home to Plains after his single term in office and dedicated his postpresidency to working with the Carter Center he and the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter founded. The Carter Center worked to alleviate suffering through eradicating diseases and improving food production and fostering peace in trouble spots around the world.
Carter earned the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
Carter also worked with Habitat for Humanity to help build affordable housing for the poor. He also regularly taught Sunday School at his home church, Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, before his health failed.
Over his life-time, Carter visited Pierce County many times beginning from his childhood.
Local photographer Wayne Morgan relates that Carter mentioned he fished the Satilla River with his father, James Earl Carter Sr., when he was young.
Carter made several visits to the area during his gubernatorial campaign and during his term as governor prior to his presidential run.
New first district county commissioner Troy Mattox recalls he had the opportunity to interview Carter during his career as the owner of WKUB 105.1 FM radio station.
“Back then, politicians would stop by local radio stations to introduce themselves,” Mattox recalls. “It was a great experience interviewing Jimmy Carter. He was easy to talk with, and his character and sincerity shone through. It was quite an accomplishment for him to be elected governor, and President of the United States. He leaves behind a legacy of service, honor and decency.
Troy Mattox
Jim Miller Well-known radio station manager James E. “Jim” Miller also had the opportunity to interview Carter. Miller spent 59 years in the radio profession including stints as manager of WAYX in Waycross and in advertising for WACL in Waycross and WKUB in Blackshear.
Miller interviewed Carter when he was still a State Senator and as he was running for Governor.
“(President Carter) was a gentle speaking gentleman whose words focused on what he could do for the state of Georgia and all people.'' Miller, now 90, points to a treasured photo he has hanging in his music room at his home. Shown in the photo with his black hair he now has a crown of white hair, he was 30 when he conducted the Carter interview.
Vicki and Califf Dixon were privileged to attend one of Carter's Sunday School lessons at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains. Carter had been a long-time Sunday School teacher at his home church, often presenting a Bible lesson to hundreds of people Sunday mornings. He and Mrs. Carter often stayed after services to take photos with those in attendance.
Mrs. Dixon said that she did not agree with Mr. Carter's political party at all since he left office, but she said she had much admiration for the Former President and First lady.
“Meeting him in person gave both Califf and I a new found respect for the man he became after his time in the White House,” she said.
“I can only strive to do half the good the Carters did in their time on earth. Heaven is a sweeter place because the Carters are there.”
Camille Hendry of Blackshear remembers meeting President Carter when she was just 6 years old.
Hendry got to shake Carter’s hand, when she was presented an award for crayon-drawn artwork in a contest at Plains’ Peanut Festival in 2012. Plains’ most famous resident presented the awards.
Hendry is now a student at the University of Georgia.
