By Mike Cason
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said he is heartbroken by the death of longtime Auburn University athletics chaplain Chette Williams, who died in an accident Sunday at Lake Martin.
Tuberville, the head football coach at Auburn from 1999-2008, said Williams’ ministry changed the lives of many Auburn athletes.
“Heartbroken to hear the news about Chette Williams,” Tuberville said on X. “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.”
Williams was a linebacker at Auburn under Coach Pat Dye from 1982-84. Williams went on to serve in the ministry in Spartanburg, S.C. and as a pastor in New Orleans and Mobile after he was licensed as a minister in 1987 and ordained in 1988, according to his bio on the university website.
Tuberville brought Williams back to Auburn as team chaplain when he became Auburn’s coach in 1999. Tuberville said Williams was the architect of the “Hard Fighting Soldiers” theme adopted by Auburn’s 2004 team, which did not lose a game.
Tuberville in 2000 told reporter Phillip Marshall about his decision to bring Williams to Auburn.
“I knew when we first talked to Chette he’d be the right guy,” Tuberville said. “He played here, went through tough times, had a change of attitude and turned out to be a minister. He enjoys working with young people. He felt like this was his calling. He accepted the challenge and has been a tremendous help.”
”I’m thinking `Lord, what are you doing here?’ ” Williams said in that article. “This is like full circle for me. This is where it all started for me.
“We came because we felt the Lord’s call, because God had given me the opportunity … and because I love Auburn.”
Alabama’s junior senator, Katie Britt, also extended condolences.
“Chette Williams has been an incredible mentor & spiritual leader to (Auburn football). His ministry was a force for good within the Auburn family & our state. My heart goes out to his and the entire Auburn family. My prayers are with you,” Britt tweeted.
