Jason DeOliveira Pontes, 31, of Cleveland, passed away Thursday, September 17, at a local hospital.
Mr. Pontes studied at the school of Culinary Arts at Sullivan University. He began his career in Louisville, Ky. before coming back to the Cleveland-Chattanooga area.
Jason was very passionate about cooking. He took pride in the presentation of food, and according to him and many others it was a work of art. He was an aspiring chef at many restaurants including; Ruth Chris Steak House, Bald Headed Bistro, Bonefish Grill, as well as other restaurants. He enjoyed music, hunting, fishing, and was an avid Alabama Fan.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Jorge DeOliveira Pontes and Teresa Worley Pontes; and grandfather, Jerry “Poppy” Worley.
He is survived by his grandmother, Sandra Worley of Ooltewah; brother, Joshua Pontes and wife Brandi of Cleveland; aunts, Kila Lingerfelt and husband Woody of Ooltewah and Sandy Lewis of Soddy Daisy; niece, Brianna Pontes of Cleveland; cousins, Tagen Lewis, Max Shepherd, and Blaine Lewis all of Ooltewah; and many friends.
A celebration of life will be in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home, Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Fletcher Farris. Sean Brown, Jonathan Bishop, Juan Hernandez, Jared Marshall, Thomas Leach, and Justin Leach will serve as pallbearers. A white dove release ceremony and playing of bag pipes will conclude the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we are making our services available for you to view on Ralph Buckner Funeral Home’s Facebook page during the service time or at a later time.
The family will receive friends Saturday, Sept.19, from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home, as well as Sunday, Sept. 20, from 12-2 p.m.
We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Pontes family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.