Jennifer Garner Mourns Death of Dad William at 85

April 1, 2024 11

Jennifer Garner is mourning the death of her father, William Garner, who “passed peacefully” on Saturday at the age of 85.

“We were with him, singing Amazing Grace as he left us (did we carry him across or scare him away— valid question),” she shared in Instagram, alongside a collage of family photos. “While there is no tragedy in the death of an 85 year old man who lived a healthy, wonderful life, I know grief is unavoidable, waiting around unexpected corners.”

However, Jennifer wrote, “Today is for gratitude.”

“We are grateful for Dad’s gentle demeanor and quiet strength,” she wrote. “For how he teased with a mischievous smile, and for the way he invented the role of all in, ever patient girl dad. We are grateful for his work ethic, leadership and faith.

“We extend our gratitude to the medical communities of Charleston Area Medical Center and City of Hope,” she continued. “Your care extended Dad’s life and gave him time to be in his favorite spots— surrounded by daughters and grandchildren, cheering for his beloved Aggies, captaining a boat, and— most of all—next to his wife of 59 years, our Mom.”

William shared Jennifer and her two sisters — Susannah and Melissa — with wife Patricia. They raised their family in Charleston, West Virginia, where William worked as a chemical engineer.

Jennifer Garner poses with parents William and Patricia at the 2004 premiere of 'Elektra.' – Getty Images for Twentieth Century Fox

“There is so much to say about my dad— my sisters and I will never be done talking about how wonderful he was, so bear with us— but for today I share these memories with my appreciation for the kind and brilliant man, father, and grandfather he was, as well as the loving legacy he left behind,” Jennifer concluded.

The actress’ family has been sweetly supportive throughout her career — with William even joining Jennifer in a Capital One commercial back in 2016.

“When I first started working with Capital One, my dad called them up and asked for the ‘Jennifer Garner card,’ which is such a dad thing to do” she joked in the ad. “After he gave his name, the woman at Capital One asked him, ‘Mr. Garner, are you related to Jennifer?’ — kind of joking with him — and my dad was so proud to tell her, ‘As a matter of fact, she’s my middle daughter!'”

William even got to deliver the company’s famous catchphrase — “What’s in your wallet?” — with his daughter hugging him proudly in the sentimental commercial.

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