Beloved Chattanooga Chef Loniel Shackleford, Jr. Passes Away

Chattanooga, TN, October 21, 2025

News Summary

Loniel Shackleford, Jr., a cherished chef from Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 67. Known for his culinary talents and generous spirit, he dedicated over 30 years to the Mount Vernon Restaurant. Shackleford’s legacy includes three daughters, nine grandchildren, and a loving community that remembers him fondly. His contributions and kindness will be celebrated during a public viewing and funeral service on October 24.

Chattanooga, Tennessee – Loniel Shackleford, Jr., a beloved chef and community figure, passed away peacefully at his residence on October 7, 2025. He was 67 years old and is remembered for his culinary talents and generous spirit, having dedicated over 30 years of his life as a chef at the Mount Vernon Restaurant, which closed in the past few years.

Born on December 30, 1957, in Cleveland, Ohio, Loniel was the son of the late Loniel Shackleford, Sr. and Martha Jane Weaver. He attended Howard High School and was well known within his community for his passion for cooking and his commitment to making others feel valued and cared for.

Loniel Shackleford is survived by three daughters: Deborah Shackleford (partnered with Cornell Watkins), Teandra Shackleford, and Shana Smith. He also leaves behind two sisters, Jeanette McClendon and Tahara Shackleford; three brothers, Samuel, Percy, and Fletcher Shackleford; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and two great-great-grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by special friends, Chari Stargell and Thelma Holland, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends who will miss his kind presence.

Loniel was a devoted Christian and a member of River of Life Church in Chattanooga, where he cherished not only his faith but also imparted love and respect to those around him. Friends and family remember him as a gentle giant with a deep capacity for love and kindness, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his family and friends throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Shawntell Shackleford, two brothers, James and Calvin Shackleford, and his son Loniel Shackleford III. His legacy, however, continues through the love and memories shared by his family and the community he touched during his lifetime.

A public viewing will be held on October 24, 2025, starting at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, located at 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, TN. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.

Key Community Impact

Loniel Shackleford’s impact on the community lives on through his culinary legacy and the memories shared by those who knew him. His generosity inspired many, making him a cherished figure in the surrounding areas of Chattanooga.

Upcoming Events

The community is invited to honor Loniel’s memory during the viewing and funeral services. His family encourages those who wish to pay their respects to celebrate his life during these times.

Legacy

Loniel Shackleford will be remembered not only as a skilled chef but also as a loving father, brother, and friend whose life was dedicated to uplifting those around him.

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Additional Resources

• Chattanoogan: Loniel Shackleford Jr.
• Wikipedia: Chef
• Chattanoogan: Friends Remember Chef Loniel Shackleford
• Google Search: Loniel Shackleford Jr.
• Chattanoogan: Loniel Shackleford Memorial Fund Established
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Chef
• Chattanoogan: Loniel Shackleford’s Culinary Impact
• Google News: Loniel Shackleford

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.