Born and raised in Clinton, SC, Walter began working at Sadler-Owens Apothecary during high school while Rufus Sadler was the owner. He attended the University of South Carolina where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and then the University of South Carolina Pharmacy School. Walter married Patricia Sadler, MD and after moving back to Clinton, he bought Sadler Owens Apothecary which became Sadler Hughes Apothecary. He and his wife have three children, Walter Hughes III, Virginia and Caroline.

Walter is a vested member of the South Carolina Pharmacy Association in addition to being a board member of the legislative committee for the SCPA. He has served as the chairman of the Carolina Pharmacy Network, is a lifetime member of the NCPA and is a member of the advisory council to the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy.