Former President Jimmy Carter’s hometown of Plains is preparing to say goodbye to its favorite son. The memorial week following the president’s death will begin there this weekend and end there next week.

One local business made efforts to keep travelers from filling up their parking lot. Another made sure they were stocked up on t-shirts honoring the late former president.

When Laura Carney discovered her late father's unfinished bucket list, she decided to see his goals through. In an essay for PEOPLE, Carney — author of 'My Father's List' — explains how the journey le