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A resolution honoring the life and legacy of former Member of Council Walter Hunt, Sr.
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WHEREAS, Walter Hunt, Sr. passed away on January 26, 2026, at the age of 87. Walter Hunt was born in Nashville, Tennessee, to Samuel and Clara (née Miles) Hunt, and fondly called “Billy” by family and friends. Walter was educated in Metro Nashville Public Schools, already demonstrating the warmth, confidence, and caring that would define his life; and
WHEREAS, Walter proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division. After his military service, he began a career with TVA as a journeyman lineman with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), bringing to every job the dependability that friends and family counted on throughout his life. If Walter said he’d get it done, he would get it done; and
WHEREAS, service was Walter’s life. He worked as a counselor in the DUI program for the Nashville Metropolitan Government and as a drug and alcohol counselor for Nashville Auto Diesel College and several Nashville-area corporations. From 1978 to 1988, he served as congressional liaison to Representative Bill Boner, coordinating community activities and assisting constituents across Tennessee’s Fifth District. His public service continued as a special assistant in the mayor’s office under then-Mayor Boner. He later became executive director of the Metropolitan Action Commission, serving under five mayoral administrations. Walter retired from Metro Government in 2000 as assistant director of community services at Metro Social Services. He made many friends during his years of government service and maintained many of those connections for decades, including regular lunches with Julius Sloss, David Smith, and former Mayor Boner; and
WHEREAS, even after retirement, Walter continued to serve his community as a substitute teacher, working closely with at-risk middle school students and offering them structure and encouragement to do better and be better; and
WHEREAS, Walter gave generously of his time in community leadership. He served as vice president of the Tennessee Association of Community Action Agencies and contributed to numerous boards and advisory committees, including Control Data, the Northwest YMCA, Belmont College’s Criminal Justice Advisory Board, and the Cohn Adult Learning Center. He was a proud founding member of the 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee Chapter and an active member of the Tennessee Leadership Roundtable; and
WHEREAS, from 2006 to 2015, Walter Hunt represented District 3 on the Nashville Metropolitan City Council. He believed in strong communities and understood that public service was more than policy; it was about people. He valued open communication and accessibility and never forgot the importance of meeting his constituents’ needs with dignity and care; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure on the Metro Council, Walter Hunt served as Chair of the Public Information, Human Relations, and Housing Committee; Public Works Committee; and Planning, Zoning, and Historical Committee. He also served as Vice Chair of the Transportation and Aviation Committee; Charter Revision Committee; Planning, Zoning, and Historical Committee; and Public Works Committee; and
WHEREAS, Walter Hunt also served as a member of the Metro Council's Education Committee; Personnel, Public Information Committee; Public Safety, Beer, and Regulated Beverages Committee; Charter Revision Committee; Convention, Tourism, and Public Entertainment Facilities Committee; Health, Hospitals, and Social Services Committee; Codes, Fair, and Farmers Market Committee; Budget and Finance Committee; and Minority Caucus; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his exemplary service and leadership as an elected official, Walter was deeply engaged in local, state, and national politics and often worked to help candidates get elected; and
WHEREAS, there was so much more to Walter than his titles and accomplishments. He loved to travel, and he especially loved the beach. He was a wonderful cook, having been taught by his mother. He loved to share his succulent smoked turkeys with friends at Christmas. He enjoyed entertaining. Walter recently hosted his family reunion, welcoming relatives from near and far to laugh and reminisce; and
WHEREAS, it seemed, Walter knew everyone in Nashville and he loved connecting people. He always knew someone you needed to know and took joy in making such introductions; and
WHEREAS, above all, Walter loved the Lord and was firmly anchored by his faith, as evidenced in how he treated people. He worshipped for many years at The Temple Church before joining Mt. Zion Baptist Church in 2025. His treasured book of the Bible was Deuteronomy, and his favorite biblical figure was “Old Man Job,” perhaps a reflection of Walter’s respect for endurance, honesty, and faith; and
WHEREAS, he is survived by his loving wife, Cathy; son, Walter “Lee” Hunt, Jr.; bonus children, Brenda “Joy” Shull, James “Trey” Roberts III, and Eric Roberts; siblings, Samuel “Sam” Hunt, Jr., Catherine “Cookie” Summers, Sandra “Faye” Smith, and Thomas “Tater” Hunt; godchildren Maleah Pointer-Owens and Patrick “PJ” Pointer, Jr.; and many beloved grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins; and
WHEREAS, Walter “Billy” Hunt leaves a legacy of service and leadership, but just as importantly, a legacy of warmth. He was a friend to everyone, helped whoever he could whenever he could, and made people smile and feel seen. His impact will continue to be felt, remembered, and cherished by family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and constituents; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize the life and legacy of Walter Hunt, Sr. and his great contributions to Nashville and Davidson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as honoring the life and legacy of Walter Hunt, Sr.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.