John Richard McClure made the transition to his next adventure on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 with his wife, Barbara by his side.  He fought bravely with a dry and quick wit.  John was born on March 7, 1954 in Huntington, West Virginia. He was the fifth child of Patricia Price McClure and Edgar Manley McClure.  He was preceded by parents as well as sister Peggy Griffin and nephew Kevin McClure.  Those left to remember and miss him are his wife of over 3 decades, Barbara Williams McClure, siblings, Ed and Thais McClure, Doug McClure, David and Sarah McClure, Kathy McClure and Carolyn and Rob Grau. Also left to cherish memories are nieces and nephews, Tom Griffin; Tiffany Arterburn, Keli McClure, Grace Tyree, Kayden McClure, and goddaughter Terah Johnson.  On Barbara’s side of the family, the following will treasure times with John, Ronald and Marti Williams, Judith Phelan, Somer and Christopher George, Adam and Crissy Williams, Erin Phelan and Ray Crew, Jonathan Phelan, as well as a growing brood of great nieces and nephews – some who refer to John as “Happy Man!” 

John found his “lifelong” career with the assistance of his brother Ed when John joined him at Roanoke Technical Services and later with Synchrony.  These were some of the best years for John – learning and self-teaching techniques and skills that would serve him very, very well.  This knowledge and gift carried on to his stint with Yokohama in Salem for many years.  For those who may not know how important this work truly was to John, in his last 24 to 48 hours, somewhere in his beautiful mind, he was trying to complete one last project in the plant.  Together, he and Barbara “worked” 12 hours to troubleshoot and repair a problem in an automation program.  Once it was complete, Barbara whispered to him, “Honey, everyone is very proud and impressed with your last project.  You rest now. It’s all okay and I love you.”

When remembering John most will recall his love of music, particularly Neil Young.  He spent many hours channeling Neil to the joy of those listening.  Written words cannot express the full impact his presence had on those surrounding him.  Some have used the following – thoughtful, soulful, resilient, loving, logical and problem solving, musical, wickedly funny, mischievous, positive, rare character, warm, fascinating conversationalist, intellectual giant, warm smile and contagious laugh and an all-around great dude.  John became very passionate about US politics and was happy to discuss with anyone who would engage with him.  He was proud of voting and took it very seriously.  In fact, if possible, he would have joyfully cast his next vote as an absentee ballot!!! 

Special recognition to many who continue to support our family during this time, including but not limited to Eddie and Dave, Pam Kestner and “The E & H Tribe,” Dr. Nina Sweeney, Dina Imbriani, Dick Willis, EVERYONE at Blue Ridge Cancer Care, Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council, Gentle Shepherd Hospice, and oh so many more and too many to mention.  It truly takes a village.

A Celebration of a Life Well Lived will be held Saturday, March 25^th at Oakey’s South on Brambleton Avenue.  Visitation will be held at 1pm with Memorial Service at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in John’s honor to either:  Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council, 3663 Peters Creek Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24019/ OR Mountain Shepherd Adventure/ GEMS, http://wildernessinspirations.org/product/john-mcclure-scholarship-fund/