Jennifer Garner is mourning the death of her father, William, who "peacefully" passed at the age of 85. The actress took to Instagram to announce the news and share an emotional tribute. "My dad passed peacefully Saturday afternoon. We were with him, singing Amazing Grace as he left us (did we carry him across or scare him away— valid question.) 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."
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Despite her heartbreak, Garner reflected on her father's life with gratitude. "We are grateful for Dad’s gentle demeanor and quiet strength. 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." She also expressed her gratitude for the medical professionals who cared for her father in his final months. “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,” the actress added. “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.”
Garner grew up in West Virginia alongside her father, William, her mother, Patricia Ann, and her two sisters, Melissa and Susannah. In January, the actress shared a sweet tribute to her parents on their wedding anniversary. “Happy 59th anniversary to my incredibly sweet and loving parents. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for giving my sisters and me such a secure, happy start to life,” she pinned the sweet tribute.
