McPherson recalled visiting Plains with his aunt and uncle during Carter’s presidential campaign and meeting Carter’s brother, Billy, at his service station. He also recalled meeting Carter in at Mom’s Kitchen in Preston, about 10 miles west of Plains, and on a flight back to Atlanta from Billings, Montana.

Former President Jimmy Carter will get a global goodbye, with public observances honoring his legacy and an official state funeral next week. There will be a private interment in his hometown of Plains,

One local business made efforts to keep travelers from filling up their parking lot. Another made sure they were stocked up on t-shirts honoring the late former president.