Herbert S. Walters

Herbert Sanford Walters (November 17, 1891 – August 17, 1973) was an American politician who served as a Democratic United States senator for Tennessee from 1963 to 1964.

Early life and education Walters was a native of Jefferson County, Tennessee. He was a graduate of the former Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, Tennessee, and attended Carson–Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee, and the University of Tennessee.

Career Walters earned his fortune as a highly successful contractor in roadbuilding. He became a prominent banker in East Tennessee. He served a term in the Tennessee House of Representatives (1934 to 1936) prior to serving in the state cabinet as Tennessee Commissioner of Highways. He was widely viewed as a much more conservative voice than Kefauver, who "was regarded one of the most liberal of Southern Democrats".

Walters' term of service in the Senate ended on November 3, 1964, immediately after the election of his successor, Ross Bass, which is traditional with appointed senators who do not seek election.

Walters also served as a trustee of the University of Tennessee. A biography of Walters, The Herbert Walters Story by author Howard Hill, was published at about the time of his Senate service. Walters is buried at Emma Jarnagin Cemetery in Morristown, Tennessee. Walters State Community College in Morristown is named in his honor. The museum in Morristown's Rose Center is named after him.