Tragic  News: Auburn Football Chaplain Dies yesterday After Misstepping on Boat and Falling in…Read more

Chette L. Williams, the esteemed football chaplain for Auburn University, tragically passed away on December 15, 2024, following an accidental fall into Lake Martin in Alabama. He was 61 years old.

The incident occurred near Kowaliga’s Restaurant, where Williams and a friend had arrived by pontoon boat. Upon discovering the restaurant was closed, they attempted to return to their boat. During this process, Williams misstepped and fell between the boat and the dock into the water. Despite his friend’s immediate efforts to rescue him, Williams’s body was recovered approximately 90 minutes later and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Williams’s association with Auburn spanned several decades. As a linebacker from 1982 to 1984, he contributed to the Tigers’ victories in three bowl games, including the 1984 Sugar Bowl, culminating in the 1983 SEC championship season. After earning a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, he returned to Auburn in 1999 to serve as the football team’s chaplain, a role he held for 24 years. Additionally, Williams was the Auburn campus director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and the state director for Urban Ministries for FCA.

His passing has elicited heartfelt tributes from the Auburn community and beyond. Former Auburn head coach and current U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville remarked, “Brother Chette was a remarkable man who led hundreds of young people to the Lord through the years… Auburn wouldn’t be what it is today without him.”

Williams is survived by his two daughters, Lauren and Caitlyn. He was preceded in death by his son, Chette Williams Jr., who passed away in 2019.

His legacy of faith, mentorship, and dedication to Auburn University will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.