Born in Sumter, son of Solicitor Frank A. McLeod and Eudora Dwight Kirk McLeod.
Educated at Clemson College, B.S., 1942; University of Virginia: LL.B., 1947; J.D., 1970. Admitted to Bar, 1947.
Practiced in Sumter, 1947–87. Partner in the firm which became Schwartz, McLeod, DuRant, and Burchstead.
Solicitor, Third Judicial Circuit, 1955–83. President, South Carolina Solicitors Association, 1976–77. President, Sumter County Bar Association, 1986–87. American Judicature Society.
Member, Clemson University Board of Visitors, 1976–77. Member, Sumter Advisory Board, National Bank of South Carolina, 1971–87. Member, Sumter County Board of Registration, 1948–50.
State Chief of Staff, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1949–50; Post Commander, V.F.W., 1950–51.
Attained rank of Captain, U.S. Army Air Corps, 1942–45: bomber pilot with 65 combat missions. Awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross; 13 Air Medals. Retired, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force Reserve.
Lay Reader and Vestry Member, Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter.
Fiery but fair prosecutor, respected political leader, decorated combat aviator.
Married Margaret Pinckney Burgess. Two children: Richard Kirk McLeod, Jr.; and Burgess McLeod Alessandro.