REV. CHETTE WILLIAMS SR.
Rev. Chette LaRue Williams Sr., affectionately known as Bro. Chette was born in Winston, Georgia, on Sept. 3, 1963, the sixth son of the late Calvin Coolidge Williams Sr. and Katie Belle Williams Rasmussen.
He was baptized at Old Mountain Top Baptist Church in Winston, Georgia, when he was 9 years old, and he matriculated through the Douglas County School System.
Bro. Chette excelled as a student athlete and linebacker at Douglas County High School. His grit and tenacity later earned him a spot on the Auburn University football team, making him the third Williams’ brother to play SEC football. He was also a three-year letterman from 1982 to 1984. Bro. Chette obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Adult Education in 1985, but the crown jewel of his time at Auburn was accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior.
After receiving the call of God to ministry, the passion he played with on the football field was dedicated to soul winning. He became a licensed minister in 1987 and an ordained minister in 1988. Bro. Chette earned a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, while pastoring churches in New Orleans and Mobile. He started a family after becoming the president of IMPACT Ministries in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 1995. In the Fall of 1999, he joined the staff of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and faithfully served as the Auburn team chaplain and the president of Chette Williams Ministries Inc. for 26 years until his death.
He was predeceased by his parents, along with his son, Chette L. Williams Jr. and brothers Stanley Williams and Quency Williams.
Bro. Chette’s legacy lives on in his daughters, Lauren Williams and Caitlyn Williams, and beloved granddaughter, Emerie White. He is also survived by his brothers, Gregory Williams (Regina), Reginald Williams (Barbara), Calvin Williams Jr. (Tracy); Percy Williams Sr. (Darlene) and his sister Calette Williams; cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, dear friends and Auburn family.
A funeral service was held Dec. 21 at Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for all the acts of love and kindness expressed to them during this very difficult time. May God richly bless you and keep you. This is our prayer. Special thanks to Auburn University, Lakeview Baptist Church, Greater Peace Baptist Church, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and LIIV Atlanta. To God be the glory!
JACK ELBERT WHITE
Jack Elbert White of Opelika passed away on Dec.18, 2024, at the Bill Nichols Veterans Home in Alexander City. He was born to John Elbert and Claudie Waldrep White on April 4, 1933, in Roanoke, Alabama.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Marilyn (54 years), his second wife Marlene (seven years), brothers Lester, Eugene, Calvin and Billy and sisters Margaret, Mohee and Ann.
He is survived by his children, Paula (Tommy) Loper, Terry (Carol) White, Tim (Cindy) White and Darryl White and by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Mr. White was a resident of Opelika for the past 70 years. After attending Auburn University, he was employed by the city of Opelika where after 35 years of service he retired as Public Works Director. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church-Opelika and loved all the men in the Berry Dudley Sunday School Class. He enjoyed attending church in his later years even though his hearing had failed.
He proudly served his country for 40 years in the military. Three of those years he served in the Army with a combat tour along the 38th Parallel in Korea and then in Japan. After his active duty, he spent 37 years in the Alabama National Guard and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in 1993.
A special thanks to the staff at the Bill Nichols Veterans Home for the loving care they gave Mr. White. The family requests that in lieu of flowers please donate to the Bill Nichols Veterans Benevolent Fund or First Baptist Church-Opelika.
A funeral service was held Dec. 21 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with the Rev. Jeff Meyers officiating and interment following at Garden Hills Cemetery.
KENNETH PATTERSON
Kenny Patterson of Opelika died Dec. 13, 2024.
Kenny served in the Army on active duty for two years and the National Guard for a total of 21 years. Kenny worked as an electrician and as a manager for the Utility Records Department at Auburn University for 30 years. He and Tammie Patterson met at Auburn University where they both worked and have been married for 47 years. Kenny loved hunting when he was younger and took up golf in retirement. He never shied away from picking with friends to get a laugh.
In addition to his wife, Tammie, Kenny is survived by his son Russell Patterson (Melody); grandchildren Joshua Patterson and Katherine Patterson; sister in-law Janice Patterson; niece Stacy Worley (Christian) and nephews Les Patterson (Susan) and Lance Patterson (Susan).
A memorial service was held Dec. 19 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.
WILLIAM “EARL” CRUTCHFIELD
Born on July 15, 1942, in Jackson County, Florida, Earl passed away at East Alabama Medical Center on Dec. 18, 2024.
Earl is preceded in death by his parents William and Earsy Mae Crutchfield; his brothers, Robert Crutchfield and Edward Crutchfield; and his stepbrother Carlos Trawick.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of almost 60 years, Ann; his son Todd (Jessica) Crutchfield; beloved grandsons, William, Zac and Nic Crutchfield; and his stepsister, Martha Nell (Will) Persons.
Earl was a resident of Auburn for the past 12 years. After graduating from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, he attended seminary at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Earl was a minister, pastoring congregations in Alabama, Florida and Tennessee for more than 50 years. Since moving to Auburn, he and Ann have been members of The Church of the Highlands.
Earl’s life was defined by his love for Christ, his family, his friends and his commitment to serving others. He was a leader who loved meeting and connecting with people. He enjoyed traveling and telling stories of his travels, Auburn football and spending time with his grandsons who he was so proud of.
Earl’s spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and all who were touched by his ministry and love.
While we miss him tremendously, we are comforted by the knowledge that he is now at peace and in the arms of his Savior.
The date and location of a memorial service held in Earl’s honor will be announced in the new year.
AURORA ORTIZ ESCALERA
Aurora Ortiz Escalera was born June 1, 1942, and passed away Dec. 17, 2024.
Services were held Dec. 23 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, with interment at Garden Hills Cemetery.
