The Rev. Chette Williams, a beloved chaplain for Auburn football and former Tigers linebacker, tragically passed away at the age of 61 following a boating accident. The Auburn community and beyond are mourning the loss of a man whose impact stretched far beyond the field, influencing generations of athletes, students, and individuals with his faith and leadership.
Williams, who had served as Auburn’s football chaplain for 26 seasons, was involved in the accident on Lake Martin, Alabama, on Sunday evening. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, he fell from his pontoon boat near a dock at the Kowaliga Restaurant in Elmore County. Rescuers found his body approximately 90 minutes later, bringing a heartbreaking end to a life devoted to service, mentorship, and ministry.
Known affectionately as “Brother Chette,” Williams was a former Auburn linebacker who played for the Tigers from 1982 to 1984. During his time on the team, he contributed to three bowl victories, including Auburn’s historic win in the 1984 Sugar Bowl, which capped off an SEC championship season in 1983. His time as a player cemented his connection to Auburn, a bond that would grow deeper as he transitioned into a spiritual and guiding role for the team.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Williams is remembered as a spiritual leader who inspired and mentored countless young athletes. Former Auburn head coach and current Senator Tommy Tuberville called Williams a “remarkable man” who was instrumental in leading hundreds of young people to faith over the years. “His leadership has been a steady part of Auburn athletics for more than two decades,” Tuberville said in a statement. “But more than sports, Brother Chette helped athletes understand that their purpose was much greater than anything they could ever accomplish on the field.”
Williams’ journey of faith and service began in earnest after his time as a player. He was licensed as a minister in 1987 and ordained in 1988, dedicating his life to spreading the message of hope and purpose. After graduating Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in adult education in 1985, he went on to study theology and graduated from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1993 with a master’s degree in divinity.
His ministry work extended beyond Auburn. Before returning to the university that shaped his early years, Williams served as the president of IMPACT Ministries in Spartanburg, South Carolina, from 1995 to 1999. Prior to that, he pastored New Covenant Baptist Church in New Orleans from 1993 to 1995 and co-pastored New Song Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, from 1991 to 1993. These roles allowed him to refine his ability to connect with people and deepen his commitment to faith-based leadership.
Williams returned to Auburn in 1999, taking on the role of football chaplain and director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) for Auburn University. In this capacity, he became a fixture within the athletic program, offering spiritual guidance, support, and encouragement to players, coaches, and staff. Over the years, his presence became an integral part of Auburn athletics, and he was often described as a father figure to many of the young men who passed through the program.
Brother Chette’s legacy lies not only in his unwavering faith but also in his ability to instill confidence, purpose, and perspective in the athletes he mentored. Whether through pregame prayers, personal counseling sessions, or his steadfast presence on the sidelines, he was a source of strength and inspiration. His life’s work demonstrated a commitment to helping others see their worth and potential beyond the confines of the football field.
As the Auburn family grieves his passing, the impact of his work continues to resonate with the countless lives he touched. Williams’ story is a testament to the profound difference one individual can make by dedicating their life to service, faith, and love. His legacy will endure in the hearts of those who knew him and in the spirit of the Auburn community he cherished so deeply.
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