“I have one life and one chance to make it count for something... My faith demands—this is not optional—my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have, to try to make a difference.”
—Jimmy Carter, as quoted by Jim Wooten, The New York Times Magazine, January 1995
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As the world mourns the passing of President Carter, we also celebrate the life of an extraordinary human.
Oyster's relationship with President Carter and the Carter Center has been a transformative force in our personal and professional lives, guiding our mission to strive for good.
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter have set an altruistic standard so high as humanitarians that we can only aspire to a fraction of their selflessness in our own lives.
President Carter fishing at Brigadoon on the Soque River in Clarkesville, GA.
The inaugural bamboo fly rod commissioned by Oyster for President Carter.
The letter from Oyster included with the first rod made for Carter.
A letter from Carter to Oyster, showcasing his generosity and thoughtfulness.
Bill meeting President Carter for the first time—Georgia boys together.
A close-up of President Carter’s hands.
President Carters signature under the varnish. He regularly signed the commissioned rods made in the Oyster shop.
Overheard on the river: As Bill aged, Carter loved the beard.
This special rod was the last signed by Carter, created in homage to Rosalynn, featuring her hand-engraved signature and the Carter Center logo on the reel seat.
President Carter and Bill on the river.
You can’t win them all.
My personal favorite: Veronica mailed a note to President Carter through her 3rd grade class in 2017. Her letter was selected from the stack, and Jimmy personally responded.
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I have often overheard people ask Bill about President Carter. Occasionally, the subject of politics arises.
Bill responds without exception:
“I don’t know about that stuff. All I know is he is one hell of an angler... and so is Rosalynn. She would only fish dry flies.”
🇺🇸 1924 - 2024
🇺🇸 39th President of the United States of America
🕊️ Rest In Peace
Thank you for your service.