From promoting the family’s peanut business to launching his own brand of “Billy Beer,” he lived life on his own terms. Behind his public image, however, his health was quietly failing him.

The younger Carter capitalized on his image with a deal for “Billy Beer.” News sources reported that he got a $50,000 annual licensing fee from one brewer.

Mr. Carter’s brother hawked Billy Beer and got tied up with the Libyans. His daughter was arrested while protesting the C.I.A. His grandson sought to follow him as governor of Georgia.

Billy Beer was launched in July 1977, and by October 1978, the company behind it was shuttered. The whole thing seems charmingly goofy by modern standards.

Billy Carter, brother of Jimmy Carter. Billy Carter promoted Billy Beer and lobbied for Libya while his brother, President Jimmy Carter, was in the White House.Libya was headed at the time by ...

Mike Toomey talks with viewers Tony and Chris who have a few unique items on the WGN Morning News on December 14th.