Burke residents share memories of President Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States, who served from 1977 to 1981, died Sunday at the age of 100.

Carter visited Burke County just once — a campaign rally at the Morganton Community House on Tuesday, March 9, 1976, nearly 49 years ago.

While Carter’s time in the Presidency was short, he remained an influential leader in the years after leaving the White House, working for a host of humanitarian causes and winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Here are some reflections from Burke County residents on the late President and his legacy:

Allen Fullwood — Community Leader, Former School Board Member

“President Carter was a man that I have always admired. He was a true gentleman and a man of his word. I was so impressed with his commitment to Christ. I think in a way that Washington was simply not ready for an honest man as President. But when you look at all that he did after he left office, it is very inspiring. He was a force with Habitat for Humanity. He was a man who contributed to a more peaceful world. He was a role model for so many of us. I’m very saddened by his passing, but I’m comforted by the fact that he led a long and prosperous life.”

Tommy Sain — Downtown Business Owner and Community Leader

“Most people talk about his post-presidency legacy more than his time in office. He went home, stayed in the same house, was a Sunday School teacher and lived a simple life dedicated to Christian values. He was a humble man with a memorable smile who seemed to truly live life desiring to help others. He was genuine and worked to serve others, not for recognition or other ends like money or political power. That’s what will be remembered about him most, and frankly that is how we all should want to be remembered.”

Ronnie Thompson — Morganton Mayor

“Jimmy Carter was committed to this country and believed that service should have integrity and should support all human rights. Habitat for Humanity is proof positive of that commitment.”

Gena Singleton — Burke County Democratic Chair

“We have lost someone who not only talked the talk but walked the walk. His passing is such a loss to the country. He set such an example for all of us to follow. He taught us how to make a difference.”

Jimmy Warlick — Entrepreneur

(Morganton native Jimmy Warlick got his start in the political memorabilia business back in 1976 when he attended the Democratic National Convention in New York and brought back to Burke County a slew of “Carter for President” buttons which he sold locally. President Carter’s son Chip later worked with Warlick in the business. Warlick later visited the President at his home in Plains and hosted him in an Avery County cabin for a couple of days of trout fishing.)

“President Carter was a man of decency. I think that as time passes, he will be recognized for his accomplishments, just as President Truman was after he left office. President Carter was a dedicated environmentalist; he appointed women as judges, and he pardoned the young men who refused to serve in the Vietnam War. I think history will be much kinder to him. I would rank him with Nelson Mandela as one of the great humanitarians of all time.”