The Reverend John Cantey Nye, 88, of Charleston, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. He was born in Columbia, SC November 20, 1936, the son of the late John Cantey Nye Sr. (J.C.) and Hazel Stillinger Nye.
Cantey was a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University and Lutheran Theological Seminary and was ordained into the ministry of Word and Sacrament on May 28, 1961. He faithfully served St. John Lutheran Church, Johnston, from 1961 until 1972, and Advent Lutheran Church, North Charleston, from 1972 until his retirement in 1999. Pastor Nye’s ministry was a blessing to so many in South Carolina and beyond.
In his spare time, Cantey was a world traveler. He journeyed across much of Western and Eastern Europe, the Holy Land, the former Soviet Union, and beyond. Germany held a special place in his heart, where he led Lutherland tours and attended the Oberammergau Passion Play multiple times. He loved sharing these experiences with others, opening windows into faith and culture.
Cantey will be remembered for his gentle smile, his strong hugs, and his unwavering faithfulness to the gospel of Jesus Christ in both word and deed. He knew always who and whose he was: a beloved, forgiven, baptized child of God.
Cantey is survived by his brother, Donald Morgan Nye (Betty Frick Nye); nephew, Donald Travis Nye; niece, Tiffany Nye Wood; and great-niece, Kelsey Addison Wood.
The family gives special thanks to Dr. Matt Wurst and the BL Black Clinic of Chiropractic, who gave Cantey renewed health over the past eight years; to special friends Amy and Sophie Berman for their love and care; to those who helped him rebuild his life following the Palms Apartments fire in 2021; and to his church family at Redeemer and dear friends at Advent who walked closely with him, especially in the last month.
His Funeral Service will be held Friday, October 3, 2025 in the Lutheran Church of The Redeemer, 714 Riverdale Drive at 10:30 am. The family will receive friends Friday, one hour prior to the service. A committal service will follow at Bush River Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Capital Campaign Fund, continuing Cantey’s legacy of faith and service.
