Leo Daughtry is a life-long resident of North Carolina. He grew up among the tobacco fields of Sampson County and attended Wake Forest University and its School of Law. After graduating from law school, Leo served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force as part of the Judge Advocate General. In 1969, he returned to North Carolina and opened a private law practice in Smithfield, known today as Daughtry, Woodard, Lawrence, and Starling. As a legislator, Leo was the architect of and played a pivotal role in the passage of legislation that led to vital changes and improvements in the administration of justice in the state.

Leo enjoyed a prolific political career, serving in the North Carolina Senate and North Carolina House for 28 years. He was a prominent leader in the General Assembly, serving as both House Minority and Majority leader. He served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention six times, was chosen Republican Leader of the Year in 1988, and was a gubernatorial candidate in 2000.

 Throughout his life, Leo has been committed to giving back to his community. He has served on the board of directors for a number of organizations including the Community Foundation of Johnston County, Board of Trustees of Meredith College, and Boys and Girls Club. Leo is a former member of the UNC Board of Governors and currently serves on the board of the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He has been the recipient of the Outstanding Legislator Award by the Advocates for Justice, Man of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce, Man of the Year by the Boy Scouts of America, and Celebrity of the Year by Johnston County Public Schools. He was recognized by the North Carolina Bar Association’s Board of Governors in 2016 for “faithful service in the North Carolina General Assembly on behalf of the citizens of North Carolina.” In 2019, the North Carolina Business Court courtroom at Wake Forest University School of Law was named the Namon Leo Daughtry Courtroom in his honor.

When not practicing law, Leo enjoys spending time with his wife, Helen, twin daughters Dana and Kelly, and grandchildren Katherine, Christopher and Hannah. Talmadge Farm is his debut novel.