Hundreds Gather To Celebrate Life Of Dallas Artist Roosevelt Wilkerson.

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) -Roosevelt Wilkerson's life inspired many people. Presidents, world leaders as well as other homeless people.

One of his walking sticks, which has the Ten Commandments on it, is considered a precious piece art.

You can't buy one anymore. The man they called the stickman passed away earlier this week at the age of 71.

Now the value for Roosevelt Wilkerson's sticks has risen.

He was discovered in 1995 carving a stick while sitting outside of a Dallas store.

22-years-ago Folk Art Collector Carol Brewer discovered Wilkerson's talent. At the time he was sleeping at a shelter on Austin Street.

" When I went to meet Roosevelt to purchase this stick I learned he stayed in the walk-in," explained Brewer.

That was 1995 and Mr. Wilkerson's sticks started to sell

Susan Nowlin became his mentor and his agent. She oversaw the Stickman's business.

"Roosevelt's story is a story of redemption," explains Nowlin. "If you have one, treasure it. They are no longer available for sale."

Roosevelt Wilkerson worked his way out of poverty.

He became the first member of the homeless ministry at St. Paul United Methodist Church.

And it is through the sale of his engraved sticks that Wilkerson gained new friends and respect for his art.

The sale of these sticks brought him and his wife out of homelessness.

Former First Lady Laura Bush was among Wilkerson famous friends.

"Well we loved his walking sticks. We gave one to the pope when we visited Rome ones. Thought it was really perfect for a leader of the church because it was a staff, really. A shepherd's staff," commented former first lady Laura Bush.

Wilkerson went to school Booker T. Washington high school and attended church across the street.

That was his neighborhood. His friends and family are so proud of the life he lived.

A book has already been written. A documentary about is life is in production.