Born Lynchburg, SC, son of Walton J. McLeod and Pauline Mullins McLeod. Affectionately known as Stumpy.
Graduated Porter Military Academy, 1923; Wofford College, A.B., 1926, Honorary D.L., 1988; University of South Carolina, J.D., 1930.
Practiced at Walterboro, 1930–94. Senior partner, McLeod, Fraser, and Cone. City Attorney, Walterboro, 1934–94. County Attorney, Colleton, 1932–41. Counsel, SC Public Service Authority (Santee - Cooper), 1934–42.
President, South Carolina Bar Association, 1969–70; Recipient, DuRant Distinguished Service Award, 1981. American Bar Association: Member, Board of Governors, 1964–67; Member, House of Delegates, 1950–70; Charter Member, Comm. on Civil Rights, 1963. President, Colleton Co. Bar Association, 1962–94. Fellow, Am. Col. of Trial Lawyers; Am. Col. of Probate Counsel. Instrumental in establishing the organized SC Bar.
Vice Chair, SC Highway Commission, 1949–50; Member, 1946–50. State Comander, SC American Legion, 1949–50. Deligate, Democratic National Convention, 1948, 1964. President pro tem, SC Democratic Convention, 1976. Trustee, Walterboro Schools, 1936–46.
Demobilized Lt. Comander, US Navy, 1942–45, air combat intelligence officer, Pacific Theatre - three battle stars.
Teacher over 40 years, Wesley Bible Class, Bethel United Methodist Church. Trustee, Wofford College, 1954–66. Board Chair, SC Methodist Conference.
Recognized for his integrity, learning, loyalty, devotion and professional skill, a leader of every organization of which he was an active member.
Married Rhoda Lane Brown, 1935. Survived by her and four sons: Walton J. III, Senator Peden Brown, W. Mullins, and Thomas Gordon McLeod III.