Remembering Walter Lambert, Man of Many Talents

By Ralphine Major

We would look for his table each year.  He often left his signature red apron on the table alongside his cookbooks.  It was at the Grainger County Tomato Festival where we first met the popular TV personality and chef several years ago.  Walter Lambert was one of the most sought-after authors at the festival.  From a distance, a line of festivalgoers could most always be seen at his table.  His fans were there to purchase one or more of his many cookbooks, have them autographed, and spend a few minutes talking to him.

Like so many others, we had watched “Chef Walter” for many years on WVLT in Knoxville, Tennessee.  During the rare slack times at the tomato festival, we often ventured from our table over to his and visited for a few minutes.  I did not know much about his background, however, and was intrigued to learn that he attended Gibbs Elementary School as a youngster.  It was great fun hearing his stories about growing up in Corryton and listening to him share about his relatives and mutual friends in the Gibbs Community where he once lived.  We looked forward to seeing the cookbook author each year thereafter.  It was sad to learn the news that this local celebrity passed away recently.  His passing certainly leaves a void in the Knoxville community.  I am so thankful we had the opportunity to meet him.

Words of Faith: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 (KJV).