The entire sporting clays world was stunned by the unexpected death of Christopher “Chris” Dean Cantrell on February 17 at the age of 38. Chris was the well-known and popular general manager of Rocky Creek Sporting Clays in Richburg, South Carolina, since 2013. Prior to that, he was general manager at Forest City Gun Club in Georgia and Milford Hills Hunt Club in Wisconsin.
Rocky Creek was open for shooting the day following Chris’s death, with management commenting, “Chris would want people to come out and enjoy the sport he loved so much.” A memorial service was held on February 21 at Rocky Creek.
“Chris was a joy to be around, and he always lit up the room,” the club posted on its Facebook page. “Chris always said that at Rocky Creek, we were a family. Not just the employees, but also the members. We laugh together, and we cry together.”
Chris is survived by his 14-year-old daughter, Colbi; his stepson, Austin; his brother, Chad; and his parents, Cheryl and Kenny.
Friends have established a support fund for daughter Colbi. On March 14, Westside Sporting Grounds will host the Chris Cantrell Memorial Shoot benefiting the Colbi Z. Cantrell Support Fund. (Watch for registration on iClays.com.) There is also a GoFundMe account to which friends may contribute here.
NSCA extends its deepest sympathies to the family and many friends of Chris Cantrell.
