Jimmy Carter’s funeral procession began Saturday in south Georgia, where the 39th U.S. president’s life started over a century ago.

The motorcade that carried Carter’s casket, draped in the American flag, started its journey from Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus. Former Secret Service agents who had once been responsible for his protection now served as pallbearers, accompanying the hearse as it departed from the medical center.

Accompanying the procession were members of the Carter family, including his four children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They joined the motorcade as it traveled through Plains, the hometown that held a special place in Carter’s heart, and past the house where he spent his childhood on the way to Atlanta.

Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, died at his home in Plains.

As the motorcade made its way through downtown Plains, local families came together along the procession route near the historic train depot, which had once served as Carter’s campaign headquarters during his presidential run. Many individuals in the crowd carried flowers or wore badges adorned with his image as a tribute to the late president.

To honor Carter’s service as the 39th president, a bell was rung 39 times. A moment of silence will be held at 3 pm at the state capital.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023, were both born in Plains and spent most of their lives there, apart from Jimmy’s Navy service and his political career as Georgia governor and U.S. president.

Former and current U.S. Secret Service agents assigned to the Carter detail, move the flag-draped casket of former US President Jimmy Carter, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, as part of his funeral ceremony in Americus, Georgia

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia

The procession paused at Carter’s boyhood home on the family farm outside Plains, where the National Park Service rang the old farm bell 39 times in honor of his presidency. 

From there, Carter’s remains continued to Atlanta for a moment of silence at the Georgia Capitol and a ceremony at the Carter Presidential Center.

‘We want to pay our respects,’ 12-year-old Will Porter Shelbrock told WTOP News, who was born decades after Carter left office in 1981. Shelbrock traveled from Gainesville, Florida, with his grandmother, Susan Cone, 66, to witness Carter’s final journey. 

He admired Carter for his humanitarian work, his advocacy for peace, and his environmental efforts, including installing solar panels on the White House.

In Atlanta, Carter will lie in repose until Tuesday morning before being transported to Washington, D.C., where he will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol. 

A state funeral will take place Thursday at 10 a.m. at Washington National Cathedral, followed by a private funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains.

Jimmy Carter will be laid to rest near his home, beside Rosalynn Carter. 

The procession paused at Carter’s boyhood home on the family farm outside Plains, where the National Park Service rang the old farm bell 39 times in honor of his presidency

People watch as the hearse carrying the flag-draped casket of former US President Jimmy Carter departs Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, as part of his funeral ceremony

Carter passed away nearly two years after he chose to spend his final days in hospice care.

Carter’s son, Chip Carter, 74, confirmed that the former president died at his home in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday at approximately 3:40 p.m. ET.

A former peanut farmer, Carter served a single term in the White House from 1977 to 1981 and spent the remainder of his life dedicated to charitable work. 

Following several hospitalizations, Carter decided against further medical treatment and entered hospice care in February 2023.

A recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Carter lived his final years in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who passed away in November 2023, had spent much of their lives, aside from Jimmy’s Navy career and his political roles as Georgia’s governor and U.S. president.

Carter’s presidency was marred by challenges such as the oil crisis and the Iran hostage crisis. 

However, his post-presidential life, particularly his humanitarian efforts, earned him widespread admiration. 

He became a beloved figure in American politics, known for his advocacy of human rights, the fight for global health, and his work with Habitat for Humanity.

One of Carter’s last public appearances was to celebrate his 100th birthday on October 1, surrounded by family and friends. In 2024, he also cast his vote in the presidential election, a rare sight for a man of his age.

Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and later married Rosalynn Smith. 

The couple had four children, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

People stand next to a memorial for former President Jimmy Carter in Plains, Georgia

Rosalynn was a passionate advocate for mental health, caregiving, and women’s rights, and she was by Carter’s side until her death at 96.

After his presidency, Carter founded the Carter Center, where he worked tirelessly on issues of public health and human rights.

 He remained politically active, supporting causes such as free and fair elections and democratic integrity. 

In the 2020 presidential election, Carter expressed his support for Joe Biden, whom he had known since Biden was a senator.

Carter’s legacy also includes his leadership in brokering the Camp David Accords and his unwavering efforts to promote peace and human rights globally. 

His work to combat disease, such as the eradication of Guinea worm disease, earned him enduring respect.

With his death, Carter becomes the longest-lived U.S. president in history. He will be remembered not only for his political achievements but also for his compassion and dedication to improving the lives of others.

This is a developing story.