Jesse "Charlie" Ortega

November 15, 1956 - November 24, 2015

Jesse “Charlie” Ortega, age 59, and a resident of Stafford Drive in Columbia, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at his residence.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 28th at 2PM in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Garden of Freedom at Maury Memorial Gardens, located adjacent to Heritage Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends on Friday, November 27th from 4-7PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jesse was born November 15, 1956 in Burbank, California and was the son of the late Ricardo Ortega and the late Maria Saiz Ortega. He graduated from North Hollywood High and was a veteran in the United States Army. He was a member of the Church of the City in Spring Hill and worked for General Motors. Some of his hobbies included fishing, hunting, and sky diving. He enjoyed photo shopping his friends and family. His family described him as being funny, telling jokes, and making people smile. Above all, Jesse loved being with his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved best friend: Cindy “Mouse” Ortega of Columbia, TN; daughter: Ramona Montoya and fiancé, Dustin Wheeler of Spring Hill, TN; son: Jesse Montoya of Columbia, TN; brothers: Richard Ortega of Loretto, TN, and Robert Ortega of San Fernando, CA; grandchildren: Gabriel Montoya, Angel Montoya, Alejandra Erwin, and Rayna Erwin; niece: Ary (Kevin) Kritzer of Columbia, TN; and his faithful companions, Groucho and Chica.

Pallbearers will be Jesse Montoya, Angel Montoya, Gabriel Montoya, Dustin Wheeler, Kevin Kritzer, Joshua Erwin, and Sam Zema.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org/tribute