Auburn University football Chaplain Rev. Chette Williams drowned in Lake Martin Sunday while trying to board a boat. Lake Martin is 45 minutes west of Auburn Alabama. According to WSFA-TV, Rev. Williams had piloted the boat to a restaurant on the lake but fell into the water on Sunday evening after trying to board the boat to return to his home.
The body of the 61-year-old Chaplain was recovered a few hours late the same evening. Law enforcement has launched an investigation into the drowning. Williams played as a linebacker at Auburn during the 80s and he graduated from the university with a degree in adult education in 1985. He would later earn a master’s of divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1993.
He began his pastoral career at New Song Baptist Church in Mobile before becoming the pastor of New Covenant Baptist Church in New Orleans. Williams rejoined the Auburn football team as chaplain in 1999 under coach Tommy Tuberville. He was also the campus director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the State Director for urban ministries for FCA.
In an X post, now Senator Tuberville, had this to say “ “Brother Chette was a remarkable man who led hundreds of young people to the Lord through the years. 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.”
Tuberville went on to say ” I am thankful that we recently had the opportunity to catch up. Auburn wouldn’t be what it is today without him. 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.”
Former players also chimed in to add their sympathies. “I think he’s one of the most impactful people in the history of Auburn football,” said Cole Cubelic, a former Auburn offensive lineman. “I know that might sound crazy to some folks but really, I believe he touched that many people’s lives.” He explained “You hear about accidents like this, and you just don’t think it’s real,” Cubelic continued. “It can’t happen that way.”
Steven Clark, a former punter for Auburn, said “[I] Lost my grandfather when I was in college. He was there to help navigate that. It’s hard to understand how bad things happen to good people.” In addition to his impact, Williams wrote several books based on his work at the school. “Broken Road” was based on the school’s 2011 National Championship, and “Hard Fighting Soldier” was based on the Tigers’ undefeated season in 2004.
Gus Malzahn, who served as Auburn’s head coach from 2013-20 posted this remembrance to his X account. “I am broken-hearted today, saddened at the loss of my good friend & brother … He had a 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 the players & coaches he came across. He will [be] greatly missed.”