Jimmy Carter, the former U.S. president who struggled with a bad economy and a hostage crisis but went on to a long and admired post-White House career, will be honored at a state funeral in Washington on Thursday.

The next time you’re marveling at the ruins at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs or standing in awe of the place known as “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon," you might want to whisper a simple “thank you" to President Jimmy Carter.