City of Paintsville Mourns the Loss of a “True Hero”

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

The City of Paintsville said it’s last goodbyes to a man who served not only the city but also Johnson County in more ways than one.

Gary McClure, 73, former Emergency Management Director for Paintsville/Johnson County and Safety Officer for Paintsville Fire Department passed away Thursday, Sept. 18, after an extended illness in Community Hospice Care in Ashland.

A spokesperson from PFD posted on their Facebook page that McClure dedicated his life to the safety and well-being of their community, leading with strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment.

“He has now been called home,” the post read. “Gary’s legacy of service will live in the countless lives he touched and the community he worked so hard to protect.”

Lawrence County EMS Director Travis Hughes made the following comments about his time with McClure saying he was an exceptional man.

“I first met Gary back in 2002, when I was a Police Officer for the City of Paintsville.  Gary was always quick to act and always lend a hand to help you in any way… Fast forward, when I become Emergency Management Director here in Lawrence County in 2022 Gary picked up right where we left off many years ago. Always available to help me, give me advice and guide me in the right direction.  Always a phone call away, no matter the circumstances,” said Hughes.

“Gary was a true leader, he excelled in everything that come is way, natural first responder I guess you could say. Gary will be missed you can’t replace him. Gary’s passion for his job was seen everyday. He wanted nothing but the best for the citizens of Paintsville/ Johnson County. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those that’s worked with Gary on a daily basis.” 

Inez Fire Rescue stated in a comment that McClure will leave a lasting impact on countless first responders that he shared his knowledge and experience with as an instructor for the State Fire/Rescue Training program.

W.R. Castle Fire-Rescue cited him for being the first chief of their department serving them with great courage and wisdom and as Paintsville and JC EMS provided them with steady leadership during countless disasters.

Born on March 6, 1952, Gary grew up in Johnson County. He graduated from Paintsville High School in 1970 and attended Huntington Business College before returning home to work alongside his father in the family business, McClure Vending. In 1998, Gary assumed daily operations, continuing until 2010, when his daughter and son-in-law, Gaylena and Paul Burchett, took over so that Gary could devote himself fully to his greatest passion—emergency services and public safety.

McClure’s commitment to public service spanned more than four decades and touched nearly every aspect of emergency response in Johnson County. In 1981, he became a founding member of W.R. Castle Volunteer Fire & Rescue, where he served faithfully for 44 years, including 24 years as Fire Chief. He also helped establish the Johnson County Fire & Rescue Association, where he served at various times as President, Vice-President, and later as Secretary.

In 2003, Gary was appointed Johnson County Emergency Management Director, a position he held for 22 years. Through floods, storms, fires, and countless community emergencies, he coordinated response and recovery efforts with professionalism and experience. In addition, he was a member of Paintsville Fire and Rescue and previously served as Director of Paintsville EMS and Director of Paintsville/Johnson County 911, helping to coordinate lifesaving services that touched every household in the county.

He was also a longtime instructor with the Kentucky Fire Commission and KCTCS State Fire Rescue Training program, beginning in 1990 and continuing for 35 years. In that role, he trained and mentored firefighters and first responders throughout Eastern Kentucky, passing on not only technical skill but also the values of service and dedication to community.

His leadership extended well beyond Johnson County. He served as Vice-President of the Kentucky Emergency Management Association for Areas 7 and 8 from 2012–2022, and as President of the Area 9 Hazmat Team Board from 2008 until the present, giving regional responders strong guidance and a voice at the state level. He also served on the Area Advisory Board for Appalachian Regional Healthcare, the Kentucky Apple Festival Board, the Johnson County Local Emergency Planning Committee, and as Chairman of the Big Sandy Area Development District Transportation Committee, always working to improve resources and safety for the people of Eastern Kentucky.

In recognition of his exemplary career, Gary was honored with the Kentucky Emergency Management Association Presidential Citation on September 11, 2025, commending his unwavering dedication, resilience in times of crisis, and decades of outstanding service to the Commonwealth.

McClure’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched—through his leadership in public safety, his dedication to community preparedness, and his deep love for family and friends. He will be remembered as a protector, a mentor, a friend, and a man whose life’s work made Johnson County a safer, stronger, and more resilient place to call home.

He is survived by his loving wife, Regina Hall McClure; his daughter, Gaylena Burchett (Paul) of Wittensville; and his son, Josh Hall (Kadeadra) of Paintsville. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Haley Ratliff (Braxton), Hunter Burchett, Adyson Burchett, Pyper Hall, and Zeplyn Hall; one great-grandchild, Briggs Ratliff; and his loyal dog, Ellie.

Burial was in the Highland Memorial Park, Staffordsville.