Born in Rosemont, Pa., and raised in Plainfield, N.J., he came to Princeton from the Loomis School. At Princeton, he majored in mechanical engineering; was a member of Triangle, the Tiger-Towners Dance Orchestra, and the band; and dined at Terrace Club.
After living and working in Westchester County, N.Y., and Louisville, Ky., he and his family moved to Richmond in 1958, where he served as director of electrical market sales for the Reynolds Metals Co. After retiring he was president of the Atlas Fence Co. His hobbies and interests included music, painting, and photography, and he was a member of many clubs and historical associations, including the Sons of the Revolution, the Commonwealth Club, and the Virginia Yacht Club.
Bud was predeceased by his wife, Mary, and two brothers. He is survived by his daughter, Harriet Apperson, and son, Walter IV, and their families, including a granddaughter.