DECATUR, Ill. (WAND)- President Jimmy Carter died on Sunday, leaving behind a legacy. 

"One of the first things he did in 1984 was decide to work with habitat for humanity. So by lending his name, his office, and his credibility to our organization has inspired people globally," said the Executive Director of the Habitat for Humanity in Springfield, Robert Fair. "Over 104,000 volunteers have been inspired worldwide just by knowing who president carter was. And that has been over 4390 home built worldwide."

Decatur native John Deremiah's connection to Carter began in Georgia during the Plains Peanut Festival at an annual softball game between the Secret Service and town residents.

"After the game was finished, I went out and talked with him, and I said well, you won. And he said, yes, it's always good to win. And then I patted him on the back. That was a nice moment," said Deremiah. 

Deremiah always made it a point to see Carter at the annual festival.

"I always try to get first place because if you got first, second or third, he would award the trophy and present it to you in front of the crowd….But I came back year after year and won year after year. And he would say, good to see you back," said Deremiah.

Some are sharing memories of Carter, while others work to preserve them.

"How we are going to honor president carter's legacy with the organization, whether it be a day of service, or whether that is a call to action to do some volunteer work at the restore. We are going to find a way to honor president carter's legacy," said Fair. 

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