Report: Longtime Auburn chaplain Chette Williams dies

Long-time Auburn football chaplain Chette Williams died over the weekend, according to a report from FOX6 WBRC.

Citing multiple sources, FOX6 WBRC Anchor Jonathan Hardison reported that Williams “died tragically this afternoon at Lake Martin.”

Al.com also reported on a death at Lake Martin on Sunday but noted authorities would not identify the deceased until the family was notified.

Williams was a former linebacker on The Plains, playing for the Tigers from 1982-1984.

He was the on-campus director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the State Director for Urban Ministries for FCA. His death was immediately mourned on social media.

“The heartbeat of Auburn [football]!” wrote Trovon Reed, a member of Auburn’s 2010 national title team, on Twitter in a post quoting an announcement of Williams’ death.

Williams has long had an impact on the Auburn community.

Former Auburn running back Ronnie Brown reached out on Twitter in 2019 to encourage financial support for Chette Williams and his family following the tragic death of their son.

“We all have people who have poured into our lives,” Brown wrote. “Chette Williams, Sr has done that for so many young men at Auburn University.”

Then-Auburn coach Gus Malzahn also weighed in on Williams’ impact following the death of Williams’ son.

“The first thing I wanted to say is we’re hurting for Brother Chette (Williams), our FCA chaplain. He lost his son over the weekend. Brother Chette has been around here a long time, I think over 20 years. He’s touched so many of our players’ hearts over the years,” Malzahn said. “I know he’s a personal friend to all of our coaches and a personal friend for me. He goes on a mission trip with me and Kristi every summer with our players. We’re just hurt for him. Auburn family — we’re going to love him and help him through this tough time.”

Details surrounding Chette Williams’ death were not immediately clear.