Mr. Carter witnessed a shift from what had been a solidly Democratic South to one that Republicans, supported by white voters and particularly evangelicals, came to dominate.

The local Democratic party organized the event to commemorate the 39th president’s life and legacy. A former pastor and state senate candidate, Lee Dotson, attended the remembrance. He ran for office in South Georgia and met President Carter several times, witnessing Carter’s campaign strategy up close.

Jimmy Carter was in office from 1977 until 1981, but it was his life outside the White House that has continued to speak volumes