The former president’s body is in the United States Capitol Tuesday, but come Thursday, he will be coming home to Plains and his final resting place. And the people of the tiny Sumter County town are working to have everything ready for President’s Carter last trip home.

Carter’s ride through Plains marks the beginning of one last journey, a trip that will mirror the path of his storied life.

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 at Mom’s Kitchen in Preston, about 10 miles west of Plains, and on a flight back to Atlanta from Billings, Montana.