NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — In the aftermath of Jimmy Carter’s death at the age of 100 Sunday, many Tennesseans are remembering the former president for his bipartisanship and service to others.
Nashville attorney David King thought back to when he was 22 years old and met Carter, who was governor of Georgia and running for president at the time.
“It was his integrity, it was his willingness to answer questions that were just straightforward answers. He didn’t seem to have a political spin to everything he had to say. He was so straightforward and honest with his beliefs,” King described.
Retired Judge Hamilton Gayden recalled meeting Carter in 1964 and said he was a man who cared about others more than himself.
“He could talk to Democrats and Republicans alike, and when he finally got beat by Ronald Reagan, he was very gracious in that and carried on…He was a very kind person and giving person,” said Gayden.
Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus said he remembers Carter as a man of faith who lived his life caring about the betterment of others, striving for peace among nations.
“I think right now, if we look back at Jimmy Carter’s life, the incoming president, the current president, and politicos in Washington, D.C. and all across the nation should take from him an example of how to truly put political differences aside to try to achieve common ground in ways that will truly help to benefit the lives of ordinary people,” Remus told News 2.
King and others said Carter had a great relationship with Tennessee, adding that former Gov. Ned McWherter, who was Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1973 to 1987, was one of the first to endorse Carter when he ran for president.
To see more statements from Tennessee lawmakers about Carter’s legacy, click here.
