On Monday, Auburn University confirmed reports that football team chaplain Rev. Chette Williams had died in a Sunday accident on Lake Martin.

According to multiple reports, Williams died after falling into the water near a dock on Lake Martin at Kowaliga Restaurant. Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin told outlets that Williams fell off a dock while attempting to get into a boat.

Williams, 61, served as Auburn football’s team chaplain for 26 seasons.

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

Auburn football posted on X about Williams' passing, "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."

As a former Auburn linebacker (1984-1986), Williams began his duties as the team chaplain under head coach Tommy Tuberville in 1999.

Williams authored "Hard Fighting Soldier" based on the Tigers’ undefeated season in 2004 and how God transformed his life and continues to use him to influence football players at Auburn and beyond. He also wrote "Broken Road" based on the 2011 National Championship team and their story from a mission trip to the Dominican Republic to the BCS National Championship game. 

Williams served as pastor of New Covenant Baptist Church in New Orleans, La. (1993-1995) and co-pastor of New Song Baptist Church in Mobile. (1991-1993). He was licensed as a minister in 1987 and ordained in 1988. He received a bachelor’s degree from Auburn in Adult Education in 1985 and a master’s of divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1993.

Per Auburn, Williams is survived by his daughters, Lauren and Caitlyn. His son, Chette Jr., preceded him in death in 2019. 

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email trent.baker@1819news.com.

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