Steve Gatlin
Steve Gatlin, 53, of Chattanooga, unexpectedly passed away in a motor vehicle accident on August 1, 2025.
He was born in Memphis, but he relocated at an early age to Nashville, where he enjoyed playing baseball, camping with friends and family, and riding motorcycles with his father. In addition, Steve was a graduate of Hillwood High School. During his youth, he discovered a love for cooking in his grandmother’s kitchen. Because of this passion, he continued his education at Opryland’s Culinary Arts program, which set the foundation for his distinguished career in the culinary world.
Upon graduating, Steve embarked on a two-year externship throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America, learning colorful techniques in the culinary arts. Following that, he began his culinary career traveling with motion picture catering crews where he further honed his talents, working with a variety of chefs from all over the world. Steve’s talent in the kitchen was unparalleled.
As a chef, his passion for food and perfection came through in every dish. His most beloved dish to make was pasta carbonara, his wife’s absolute favorite thing. Steve led many kitchens across the hospitality industry, from Cheekwood Estate and Gardens in Nashville to the Read House hotel in Chattanooga and Covenant College on Lookout Mountain. Among other roles, he aided in the opening of Chattanooga’s Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and he served as senior executive chef and area director of dining for Century Park Associates. Most recently he was working at See Rock City, Inc. as its corporate chef.
Steve loved spending time with his family. His most treasured time was playing backyard whiffle ball, watching his “Mads” entertain with her singing and dancing in the family den, or serving as Coach Steve to Luke and all his baseball buddies. He will be deeply missed.
Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Bobbye Jean Young, father, Al Gatlin, and his brother, Isaac Gatlin.
He is survived by his loving wife, April, and four children: Rollins, Kick, Luke, and Madeline. He was a beloved brother to his sister, Robyn (Mark) Kennedy, nephews, Mac and Owen, and a stepson to Barbara Gatlin. He is also survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rick and Debbie Sparks, brother-in-law, Ryan (Jennifer) Sparks, and nieces, Margo and Sophie.
The visitation will be held from 2–4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, at Chattanooga Funeral Home - East Brainerd chapel, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421. A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to help with the fight to cure Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT). Gifts may be sent to HHT Foundation International, P.O. Box 329, Monkton, Md. 21111.
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist.