In a tragic incident on Sunday, December 15, 2024, Reverend Chette L. Williams, the longtime chaplain of the Auburn University football team, passed away at the age of 61 following an accident on Lake Martin in central Alabama.
The accident occurred near Kowaliga’s Restaurant in Elmore County. Williams and a friend were attempting to leave the closed establishment when he misstepped while boarding his pontoon boat, leading to his fall into the water. Despite immediate rescue efforts by his companion, Williams’s body was recovered approximately 90 minutes later, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Williams’s association with Auburn University spanned several decades. As a linebacker for the Tigers from 1982 to 1984, he contributed to multiple bowl victories, including the 1984 Sugar Bowl, which capped the 1983 SEC championship season. In 1999, he returned to Auburn as the football team’s chaplain, a role he faithfully executed for 26 seasons. Beyond his chaplaincy, Williams served as the Auburn campus director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and was the State Director for Urban Ministries within the organization.
Throughout his tenure, Williams was revered for his spiritual guidance and mentorship, profoundly impacting countless student-athletes and colleagues. Former Auburn head coach and current U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville reflected on Williams’s legacy, stating, “His leadership has been a steady part of Auburn athletics for more than two decades. 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’s educational background included a bachelor’s degree in Adult Education from Auburn University, obtained in 1985, and a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, earned in 1993. He was licensed as a minister in 1987 and ordained in 1988. In addition to his ministerial duties, Williams authored two books: “Hard Fighting Soldier: Finding God in Trials, Tragedies, and Triumphs” (2007) and “The Broken Road: Finding God’s Strength and Grace on a Journey of Faith” (2013).
The Auburn community is mourning the loss of a beloved figure whose contributions extended beyond the football field. Williams is survived by his two daughters, Lauren and Caitlyn. His son, Chette Jr., preceded him in death in 2019.
As the university and its supporters reflect on Williams’s enduring legacy, plans for memorial services are anticipated to honor his life and the indelible mark he left on Auburn University and its athletic programs.
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