The Auburn Tigers lost a valued member of their family over the weekend with the sudden passing of team chaplain Rev. Chette Williams at the age of 61 after an accident at Lake Martin.

Williams, who was known by the team as Brother Chette, arrived at the same time as former head coach Tommy Tuberville in 1999 after a decorated career as a linebacker for Auburn from 1982-84.

Tuberville sent out a message on his X account after learning the news, saying what Williams meant to the program on a deeper level.

Heartbroken to hear the news about Chette Williams. 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… pic.twitter.com/Qwr7excMZe

— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) December 16, 2024

“Heartbroken to hear the news about Chette Williams,” Tuberville wrote. “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. 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.”