Millard Fuller, the man who founded Habitat for Humanity and whose name was synonymous with volunteer faith-based efforts to build houses for the poor, died suddenly on February 3, 2009 after a brief illness.
According to information Mr. Fuller had been suffering from a chest cold in recent weeks, and took and turn for the worse the night to Tuesday.
Fuller founded Habitat for Humanity in 1976 but parted ways with the worldwide organization in 2005 after philosophical differences with Habitat's board and an allegation of inappropriate conduct that Fuller vehemently denied.
After leaving Habitat, Fuller started the Fuller Center for Housing in Americus, Ga., which sought to continue his mission to provide people across the world with decent housing.
Former President Jimmy Carter, a longtime volunteer with Habitat for Humanity who continues to lead a "Jimmy Carter Work Project" with the organization each year, issued a statement calling Millard Fuller "one of the most extraordinary people I have ever known" and commending his roles as founder of both Habitat and the Fuller Center.
Fuller became a millionaire by age 29 and developed Habitat for Humanity after giving up all his possessions and moving with his wife to Koinonia Farm, a Christian community near Americus. The Fullers tested the model of building modest homes with the volunteer labor and "sweat equity" of low-income homeowners in Africa before creating the organization to construct houses worldwide.
The author of 10 books, Fuller was recognized with numerous honors for his work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
Michael Smith (Veshengro)
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Millard Fuller, Founder of Habitat for Humanity, dies age 74
