Rev. Chette Williams, long-time Auburn football chaplain, dies at 61

Rev. Chette Williams, Auburn football’s team chaplain for 26 seasons, passed away Sunday in an accident at Lake Martin. Williams was 61.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Auburn football player and longtime team chaplain Rev. Chette Williams. He made a profound impact on countless people during his 26 years with our program. Brother Chette will be greatly missed.”

~ Auburn football on social media

Known affectionately as Brother Chette, Williams served as Auburn football’s team chaplain since 1999, completing his 26th season in 2024. 

Keep reading to learn more about his career that began in Auburn in the 80s.

Chette Williams

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A former Auburn linebacker from 1982-84, Williams helped the Tigers win three bowl games, including the 1984 Sugar Bowl to cap the 1983 SEC championship season.

Williams was licensed as a minister in 1987 and ordained in 1988. He received a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in Adult Education in 1985, and a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1993. 

Before returning to Auburn, Williams served as the former president of IMPACT Ministries in Spartanburg, South Carolina, from 1995-99 after pastoring New Covenant Baptist Church in New Orleans from 1993-95 and co-pastoring New Song Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, from 1991-93.

Williams authored two books, “Hard Fighting Soldier: Finding God in Trials, Tragedies, and Triumphs” in 2007, and “The Broken Road: Finding God’s Strength and Grace on a Journey of Faith” in 2013.  

In addition to serving as Auburn football’s chaplain, Williams was also the Auburn campus director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the state director for Urban Ministries for FCA.

Reaction from Auburn community

Several people who knew Williams within the Auburn program took to social media to share their thoughts after hearing the news of Williams passing.

“Brother Chette was a remarkable man who led hundreds of young people to the Lord through the years. He was the architect of the 2004 Hard Fighting soldiers theme that turned into a national movement. 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.”

~ Tommy Tuberville, former Auburn football coach

“Chette Williams was the voice so many us had to have in times of need. He single handedly changed that football facility when he arrived. Rest easy Brother Chette. I hope you experience the peace and comfort you brought so many others on this Earth.”

~ Cole Cubelic, former Auburn player and current ESPN analyst

“His testimony is one that would touch most anybody and his life of service surely has touch many. Probably the most impactful person around the program to date. God’s plan is not our plan. He is now in the presence of the one he’s faithfully served through good and bad times.”

~ Brent Turner, former Auburn player

“While he cheered for our teams and played an integral part of their sports development, his mission wasn’t on scoreboards…it was winning souls to God. What a profound life he lived literally changing the lives of our young Auburn men and women. Please lift his family and friends up in prayer as they navigate a tragic loss. On eagle’s wings, he now lives in eternity as he shared with all.”

~ Mobile Auburn Club

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