This entry is part 5 of 9 in the series Jimmy Carter: A Nation Mourns

A Nation Mourns: Funeral Plans Set for Jimmy Carter

Former President Jimmy Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and Georgia native, died Sunday at the age of 100. Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, passed away peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family.

Carter’s life was one of service – to his country, his state, and the world. Born October 1, 1924, in Plains, Carter grew up on a peanut farm before attending the U.S. Naval Academy. After serving in the Navy, he returned to Georgia, where he entered politics, eventually becoming the state’s governor in 1971.

“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. “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.”

His rise to the presidency came in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, with Carter campaigning as an outsider who promised honesty and transparency in government. During his term, he championed human rights and brokered the landmark Camp David Accords, a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.

Carter’s presidency faced economic challenges, including inflation and an energy crisis, as well as the Iran hostage crisis, which significantly affected his bid for re-election. He was defeated by Ronald Reagan in 1980, but Carter’s legacy only grew in the years that followed.

Returning to Georgia after his presidency, Carter became known for his humanitarian work. He founded the Carter Center in 1982, focusing on promoting democracy, fighting disease, and advancing human rights globally. His efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Carter also devoted himself to Habitat for Humanity, building homes for those in need well into his later years. Despite health challenges, including a battle with cancer, Carter remained active in public life and his faith community at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains.

“Marty, the girls, and I join all Georgians and the entire nation in mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter,” Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said. “As the only American president thus far to come from Georgia, he showed the world the impact our state and its people have on the country. And as a son of Plains, he always valued Georgians and the virtues of our state, choosing to return to his rural home after his time in public office.”

Carter’s legacy in Georgia remains strong. The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta stands as a tribute to his life and work, and the small town of Plains remains a symbol of his humble beginnings.

From a peanut farmer in Plains to the White House and beyond, Jimmy Carter’s story is one of faith, resilience, and service – a legacy that will endure for generations.

“Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian,” President Joe Biden said. “Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well.”

President-Elect Donald Trump also expressed his condolences for Carter’s passing. “Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History,” Trump said. “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time.”

There will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia. The final arrangements for President Carter’s state funeral, including all public events and motorcade routes, are still pending. The schedule will be released by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region.

B.T. Clark

Publisher at The Georgia Sun

B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.