Jennifer Garner has long been admired for her successful Hollywood career and her unwavering commitment to family. Despite her fame, Jennifer has always stayed grounded, maintaining close ties with her parents, William John “Billy” Garner and Patricia Ann Garner. On Monday, Jennifer shared heartbreaking news on social media: her beloved father passed away peacefully at the age of 85.

A Loving Tribute to Her Father, William John Garner

In an emotional post, Jennifer announced the loss of her father, William John Garner. Although his passing brought grief to their family, Jennifer focused on celebrating his long, meaningful life. She expressed gratitude for the time they shared together and the legacy he left behind.

Jennifer wrote, “My dad died peacefully on Saturday afternoon. Together, we sang ‘Amazing Grace’ as he left. Did we scare him off, or did we manage to get him over? It’s a legitimate question.” Her words reflect the Garner family’s deep bond, blending heartfelt emotion with gentle humor. She added, “I know that grief is inevitable and can come up at any time, but an 85-year-old man who lived a healthy, happy life passing away is not a tragedy.”

For Jennifer, it was a day to give thanks. She spoke fondly of her father’s humility, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to his family. “We value Dad’s modest strength and kind disposition,” she shared. “For the way he played the totally invested, always forgiving girl parent and winked subtly. He is a devout man, a capable leader, and he had a great work ethic.”

Who Was William John “Billy” Garner?

William John Garner, lovingly known as “Billy,” lived a life defined by hard work, faith, and family. He was born and raised in Texas and later moved to Charleston, West Virginia, where he and his wife, Patricia Ann Garner, raised their three daughters: Jennifer, Susannah Kay Garner Carpenter, and Melissa Garner Wylie.

Billy attended Texas A&M University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1961. His dedication to education and career advancement didn’t stop there; he returned to Texas A&M and earned his master’s degree in the same field in 1976. He later worked as a chemical engineer for Union Carbide, a career that provided for his family and allowed him to support his daughters’ aspirations.

Jennifer frequently acknowledged the loving and stable upbringing her parents gave her and her sisters. On January 1, 2024, she celebrated her parents’ 59th wedding anniversary with a heartfelt blog post. “Happy 59th wedding anniversary to my wonderful and devoted parents!” Jennifer wrote. “Thank you, Mom and Dad, for making sure that my sisters and I had a happy and safe childhood.”

A Family Rooted in Love and Dedication

Patricia Ann Garner, Jennifer’s mother, also played a vital role in the family’s close-knit bond. In an interview with Southern Living, Patricia shared details about her upbringing on a farm near Locust Grove, Oklahoma. She was born in 1938, two years after her parents, Harvey Newton English and Violet Margaret Sayre English, purchased the land during the Great Depression in 1936. That rural upbringing shaped Patricia’s values and was passed on to her children, fostering a sense of resilience and gratitude in their family.

Jennifer has often spoken about her parents’ strong partnership and the values they instilled in her and her sisters. Their father was not only a devoted husband but also a role model, demonstrating integrity, humility, and a deep commitment to family.

Gratitude for the Medical Teams Who Cared for Billy Garner

In her tribute, Jennifer expressed appreciation for the healthcare professionals who cared for her father in his final years. “We would like to thank the medical staffs at Charleston Area Medical Center and City of Hope,” she wrote. “Your thoughtful attention prolonged Dad’s life and gave him more time to partake in his favorite pastimes, which included watching his beloved Aggies play sports, maintaining a boat, and most significantly, being with our mother, his 59-year wife.”

Though she didn’t specify the exact cause of his passing, Jennifer emphasized the positive impact the care teams had on extending his life and improving his quality of life in his later years.

Honoring His Legacy

Jennifer ended her message by celebrating her father’s legacy. “My sisters and I will never stop talking about how wonderful my dad was, so please be patient with us,” she said. “For now, I’m sharing these memories to show my appreciation for the amazing legacy he left behind and for the wise, kind man who was both a grandfather and a father.”

Billy Garner’s life was a testament to hard work, devotion, and kindness. His legacy will live on not only through his family but also through the values he imparted to his daughters and grandchildren. For Jennifer, her father’s memory is a source of strength, love, and enduring gratitude.