Walter Hazel Sanders, Jr. was born in Fairfax, Allendale County, South Carolina. He is the son of Walter Hazel Sanders, Sr. and Lamarie McGee Sanders.  Judge Sanders is married to Cynthia Gore Sanders and they have two sons:  Walter H. Sanders, III and Hardee Gore Sanders.

Judge Sanders is a 1970 graduate of Allendale Fairfax High School.  He received a BS degree in Accounting from the University of South Carolina in 1974 and his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of South Carolina in 1977.  Judge Sanders was admitted to the Bar in 1977.

Judge Sanders has served as Municipal Judge for the Town of Allendale, Town of Fairfax, Town of Brunson and Town of Varnville.  He was appointed Master-in-Equity for Allendale County in 1991 and has served continuously since then.

Judge Sanders has been a member of Allendale County Jaycees and Fairfax Lions Club. He has served as a Board Member of Allendale County Rural Health Program and Allendale County Foster Review Board.  He has been ordained as a Deacon of First Baptist Church of Fairfax and is Chairman of the Allendale County Gamecock Club.