By Barbara Augsdorfer, editor for the Effingham Herald
Jimmy Carter, 100, 39th President of the United States, died Dec. 29 at his home in Plains surrounded by his family. No cause of death has been announced. Carter’s 100th birthday was Oct. 1. He was the oldest living former president.
He entered hospice care in February 2023. First lady Rosalynn Carter died in November 2023. They had been married for 77 years.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, the former president’s son released in a statement on the Carter Center website. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
Before entering politics, first in the Georgia statehouse (1963-1966) and then as Governor (1971-1975), Carter was a peanut farmer in his hometown of Plains.
“Mr. Carter’s national campaign for the 1976 presidential election helped others better understand the plight of rural Americans. For those connected to agriculture, Georgia’s number-one economic driver, we can all appreciate that,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall in a statement.
“Georgia Farm Bureau expresses our deepest gratitude to Mr. Carter for dedicating himself to a rural lifestyle and tirelessly working on behalf of other people while serving as a state lawmaker, Georgia governor, U.S. president, and in his retirement. We say, thank you,” McCall added.
Rep. Bill Hitchens (R-161) was part of Carter’s security detail during Carter’s time as governor.
Hitchens reflected on Carter’s character.
“I know the last couple of years have been really tough for the family,” Hitchens said. “He was a good guy – not just as a politician -- easy to talk to, and very friendly.”
Final arrangements pending
The Carter Center reports there will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C, and details are pending. The schedule will be released by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region at www.usstatefuneral.mdw.army.mil.
For more information and to leave a comment on the condolence book, click on the official tribute website to the life of President Carter at www.jimmycartertribute.org.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions may be made to the Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307, or by clicking on the center’s website at: www.cartercenter.org.
