Charlotte native shares memories of friendship with former President Jimmy Carter

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – “Just Jimmy and Bob.” That’s how Charlotte native Bob Wilson remembers former President Jimmy Carter. Wilson says he first met Carter in a receiving line in New York City in the mid 80s. Wilson said, “I was a bit intimidated, as you might imagine.”

They met again, in 1987, when Carter traveled to Charlotte for a Habitat for Humanity project that Wilson, a contractor by trade, directed.

The Whole Man

Carter is remembered for his decency and kindness. But Wilson got to know a fully-dimensional man. He describes Carter as, “Very kind. Very, very genuine. But he was President of the United States and I’ve seen his temper. I’ve seen him being very direct.” WCCB News @ Ten anchor Morgan Fogarty asked Wilson what would provoke Carter’s temper. He said construction delays and explaining the then-new Habitat for Humanity model to people who weren’t yet convinced.

“Jimmy and Bob”

“It took me several fishing trips before I got around to calling him Jimmy,” says Wilson. Carter, Wilson and a small group met up to fish twice a year. Rosalynn was there, and eventually, so was Wilson’s wife. “Rosalynn had a buddy at that point, and they got along famously as well,” says Wilson.

When Wilson married his wife ten years ago, President Carter presided. Wilson says he last saw Carter a few years ago, at the former president and first lady’s 75th wedding anniversary.

Lasting Legacy

Wilson says Carter leaves a legacy of human rights and peace. And personally, the former president leaves this with his good friend: “The important thing that I learned most from working with Jimmy for all those years and then our years just as friends, is that when you’re confronted with a with an issue, it’s important to do the right thing,” says Wilson.

President Joe Biden has set January 9 as a day of mourning. Federal offices will be closed for Carter’s state funeral.