Jimmy Carter inspires Indianapolis couple to do more for others

ATLANTA - Many people spent New Year's Day paying their respects to former President Jimmy Carter.  They placed flowers and notes near the sign of the Carter Center.

FOX 5 Atlanta met a couple who called him a true inspiration.

"He's just a fantastic humanitarian and just an inspiration to all of us," said Tony May.

Tony says he's a presidential history buff and knows a lot about the Carter presidency, as well as all he accomplished after leaving office.

"The work he did around the world, securing fair elections and getting vaccines delivered," Tony listed. "His post-presidency is one of the best of any of the presidents."

Tony and his wife, Flory, are from Indianapolis. While passing through Atlanta, they knew they had to stop at the Carter Center to pay their respects.

Tony and Flory May said they were inspired by former President Jimmy Carter to practice kindness and get involved.

Tony says the former president inspired him to do better in life.

"I started a mental health fund, and it's part of just trying to help people be better, be kind," said Tony.

The May family also worked on Habitat for Humanity homes after hearing the former president and his wife talk about the organization.

"We took the kids out and started on some builds, not knowing the process, got to see some of the homeowners and did several builds over the summer and got to see two of the homeowners take ownership," said Flory May.

Tony and Flory May said they were inspired by former President Jimmy Carter to practice kindness and get involved.

Jimmy Carter once said, "I have one life and one chance to make it count for something. My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can."  Those words have stuck with Tony May.

"To me, that's what I'm trying to live by," said Tony. "Do whatever I can. I have a lot to do, and I use him as my inspiration."

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