Auburn chaplain Chette Williams passes away

December 16, 2024 – AUBURN, AL – Auburn athletics chaplain and former standout linebacker Chette Williams passed away suddenly Saturday after he fell into the water on Lake Martin while attempting to bridge the gap between the dock and his boat. Williams went under the water and his companion was unsuccessful in pulling him out of the water. ALEA recovered his body that evening and pronounced Williams dead.

Auburn coaches, players, staff, and fans were all shocked by Rev. Williams' passing of the beloved decades long fixture in the Auburn athletics community.

Williams served as both the Auburn football's team chaplain and Auburn's Fellowship of Christian Athletes campus director.

"He was a foundational piece to who Auburn is," coach Hugh Freeze said in a statement. "The impact he's made on so many lives, we really won't know the magnitude of all that until eternity. We certainly know he's in a better place but there's mourning in and around the building today and in the Auburn family that knew him."

"I've seen him impact our team in tremendous ways," said team captain Eugene Asante, a linebacker from 2022-24. "He consistently poured into the development of young players, a vessel God used day in and day out to preach His word and be a light."

Legendary Auburn head football coach and current U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) also released a statement on the passing of Williams.

"Heartbroken to hear the news about Chette Williams," wrote Coach Tuberville. "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."

"I am thankful that we recently had the opportunity to catch up. Auburn wouldn't be what it is today without him," said Tuberville. "My thoughts and prayers are with Brother Chette's family, along with those impacted by his ministry through the years. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the lives he touched."

Longtime Auburn head coach Guz Malzahn – now the offensive coordinator at Florida State University – also released a statement mourning the passing of Williams.

"I am broken-hearted today, saddened at the loss of my good friend & brother @Chettew," said Coach Malzahn on X. "He had great influence on my life. He was one of the people that made Auburn so special. He made such a positive & powerful impact on all players & coaches he came across. He will greatly missed."

Coach Malzahn shared a post by his wife - Kristi Malzahn.

"To know @ChetteW was to love him and be loved by him," said Mrs. Malzahn on X. "He loved Jesus most of all, and he used every single day as an opportunity to live it. He was a friend, confidant, support, brother , & wise council to @CoachGusMalzahn and I. We laughed and cried a lot together. He truly always had our back in the good, bad, hard and easy times! I miss him already.."

Former Auburn head football coach Bryan Harsin also expressed his condolences on the passing of Williams.

"My family and I are devastated to learn about the passing of Chette Williams," Coach Harsin said on X. "His legacy lives on forever in the countless lives he positively impacted through Auburn & beyond. Rest easy my friend, you have finished the race and we are all blessed to have had you in our lives."

Williams was a linebacker under the late Coach Pat Dye in 1983 and 1984. Williams was dismissed from the team briefly in 1982 by Coach Dye. The rock bottom moment combined with a teammates' outreach led to Williams turn towards Christ.

"When I started working at FCA, the Lord really worked on my life," Williams said in 2017. "I carried the quote that Coach Dye gave me when I played here and he kicked me off the team. Then he let me come back. His words that morning when I went into his office were, 'Let's just take it one day at a time.' I never thought I would be here this long. I've just been taking it one day at a time."

Williams – as a player – was also team chaplain under Coach Dye. Coach Tuberville brought Williams back in 1999 as team chaplain – a role he has held to his death.

Williams was not without his detractors. The Foundation for the Freedom From Religion attacked Williams' prominent role with the team and accused Auburn, a state school of allowing Williams to proselytize the Christian faith. The FFRF has on multiple occasions denounced Williams for baptizing student athletes. They have repeatedly called on Auburn to cut ties with Williams and abolish the position of chaplain and threatened to sue the school. Auburn University and the state of Alabama have repeatedly stood up to the FFRM's threats.

Williams was a beloved fixture in the Auburn athletics community.

Auburn Basketball head Coach Bruce Pearl said on X, "Words cannot describe the impact Brother Chette had on hundreds of student athletes, coaches, and friends. He was one of the most respected leaders of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in the country. Pastors and coaches came from all over to learn from Chet Williams @AuburnFCA."

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com