Joseph Cantey III

Joseph "Joe" B. Cantey, III, husband of Amy T. Cantey, died on Friday, January 5, 2024.
Joe was born in Camden, SC, son of the late Joseph "JB" Cantey Jr. and Harriet Beard Cantey. In addition to his wife Amy, Joe is survived by his children, Ashley Anne Cantey and Joseph "JB" Cantey IV; JB's wife Leticia Cantey; grandsons Teague, Benjamin, and Rory Cantey; and his sister Louise C. Myers. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary C. Mercurio.
Joe achieved excellence in many different fields throughout his rich life, music being first and foremost. He was a talented trumpeter in addition to the piano, guitar, drums, and other instruments. His dedication to music outpaced his dedication to study – a trait that enabled him to attend several different colleges in his time.
Joe was also a horseman. He was an accomplished rider in his own right but achieved his greatest successes as a trainer of thoroughbreds. During his time in New York, he trained such greats as Cox's Ridge, Majesty's Prince, and Temperence Hill – the winner of the 1980 Belmont and Travers Stakes as well as the 3-year-old horse of the year award. Joe saw much success during his horseracing career, but his heart turned to home, and he returned to Camden in 1987.
Not long after, Joe went back to his roots as an outdoorsman and discovered another life passion – the shooting sports. He was invited by friends to try out a new shotgun sport known as "Sporting Clays". He was hooked instantly. In 1994, he designed and built Hermitage Farm Shooting Sports, which became one of the premiere shooting grounds in the nation. Joe rose to the top of the sport as a range owner, as an advocate for the shooting sports, and as a shooter. He won numerous national and world championships individually and as a member of the US National Team. Joe served as the FITASC representative for North America, becoming fondly known as "Mr. FITASC" to the shooting community. His impact on the growth of clay shooting in the US was far-reaching. Joe was elected to the National Sporting Clays Hall of Fame in 2008.
Music, horses, and gun smoke were Joe's passions, but Camden and his family were his loves. We look forward to a celebration of life soon, with food, music, and friends. Plans will be announced as soon as they are finalized.
Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is assisting the family.
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