Honoring Pat
McClane
A lasting tribute to a life dedicated to giving back — and to the neighbor, advocate, and friend who helped bring the arts home to Wytheville.
She didn't just join the community — she helped shape it.
When Dr. John and Patricia McClane moved to Wytheville from Louisville in 1978, they arrived as neighbors and became architects of the community's cultural life. From the very beginning, Pat became a driving force behind arts and culture in the region.
She was a passionate advocate, a tireless supporter, and — by all accounts — someone who simply didn't take "no" for an answer when it came to building something meaningful for her community.
Pat's fingerprints are on nearly every corner of Wytheville's cultural and educational landscape. Her generosity wasn't loud — but it was everywhere.
A Founding Voice for the Arts
As a founding board member of the Wythe Arts Council's Chautauqua Festival, Pat played a vital role in bringing performances, creativity, and shared experiences to Wytheville starting in 1985. What began as a vision became, through her persistence, a beloved cornerstone of Southwest Virginia's cultural calendar.
A Champion for Education
Pat and John's commitment extended well beyond the arts. Their support of Wytheville Community College has helped open doors for countless students. In honor of her late husband, Pat established the Dr. John R. McClane Memorial Scholarship Endowment following his passing in 2015. She also continues to support the Neighborhood Assistance Program Scholarship Endowment — both of which provide critical resources for students working to achieve their educational goals.
In recognition of her impact, Pat was awarded the 17th Annual Chancellor's Award for Leadership in Philanthropy.
A Quiet Force Behind the Millwald
When the vision to restore the historic Millwald Theatre took shape, Pat was there — quietly but powerfully supporting the effort from the very beginning. Through the initial campaign and beyond, her generosity helped transform a dream into a reality.
Her support didn't end at opening night. As costs rose in the years that followed, Pat stepped forward once again — helping the Millwald retire its remaining debt and reach a truly debt-free foundation for the years ahead. It was a gift that didn't just balance a ledger; it freed the Millwald to keep dreaming.
Because of her enduring commitment to Wytheville, our community now has a home for arts, culture, and connection.
"Pat is a powerful example of the belief that the arts belong to everyone — and she spent a lifetime making sure the door was always open. Dedicating The McClane Stage is our way of honoring her extraordinary legacy and her unwavering commitment to this community."
It is with deep gratitude that we honor her legacy with the naming of The McClane Stage — a lasting tribute to a life dedicated to giving back.
Every performance that graces this stage will carry her spirit forward. Every story told in our historic theatre will be a tribute to Pat's dedication to her community and the arts.