Jennifer Garner’s Father Dies Surrounded by Family — Grieving Daughter Speaks Out

In a poignant revelation on social media, celebrated actress Jennifer Garner announced the passing of her beloved father, William “Billy Jack” Garner, who died surrounded by family. Jennifer took to Instagram to share a tearjerking tribute dedicated to William in which she showcased an array of beautiful father-daughter moments spanning decades—from her childhood memories with him to more recent family gatherings.

Amid the various photos, one could see the undeniable bond that was shared between Jennifer and her late dad, a bond echoed in the loving family photos she posted, some of which featured her mother Patricia Garner, and her sisters, Susannah Kay Garner Carpenter and Melissa Garner Wylie.

A particularly touching addition was a video from a past Capital One ad campaign showing Jennifer—who was joined by William at the end of the video—narrating a story about her father’s pride in signing up for “the Jennifer Garner card.”

Accompanying the sweet pictures was the “Elektra” star’s caption which expressed a profound sense of loss tempered with gratitude for the life her father led.

“My dad passed peacefully Saturday afternoon. We were with him, singing Amazing Grace as he left us […] 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 […]Today is for gratitude,” she wrote.

She also highlighted the devoted, adoring, and patient father he was to her and her siblings and the loving husband he was to her mom, for 59 years. Additionally, Jennifer thanked the medical communities of Charleston Area Medical Center and City of Hope for providing William with the best care they could.

Growing up as one of three daughters in Charleston, West Virginia, Jennifer recounted her childhood as “pretty peaceful,” shaped by her mother, a schoolteacher, and her father, a Union Carbide employee. William—as described by Jennifer in a past interview with “PBS’s” Kelly Corrigan in October 2020—was a man of the world despite the family’s deep West Virginian roots.

His adventurous spirit took him around the globe, instilling in his daughters the importance of resilience and the value of home. Previously referred to as “Bill” by Jennifer when she was younger, the actress spoke about how this then changed to “Billy Jack,” highlighting his Texan roots which, she said, grew deeper the older he got. While discussing his persona, Jennifer fondly remarked, “My dad is—he’s so great.”

More than gushing about her dad and loved ones in interviews, Jennifer’s social media has long been a testament to the significant role her family plays in her life. In September 2023, she shared a touching post featuring a carousel of images from a family visit to Charleston.

Among the pictures and videos she shared, she included a heartwarming photo that showed her and William standing next to a 1948 Studebaker Champion which she gifted to him as an early birthday present. Another post from September 2022, which showed the same picture Jennifer Garner had included in the recent tribute post she shared following William’s passing, celebrated the late doting dad’s birthday.

In this same post, she detailed his life’s milestones and the profound impact he had on his family. A part of the loving caption read, “Happy birthday. Billy Jack Garner, son of George Floyd and Exie Mae. Eagle Scout. @tamu Corps Cadet and Ross Volunteer. Class of 1960. Union Carbide Chemical Engineer for close to 40 years.”

This detailed account was also interwoven with personal anecdotes such as “In my dad, my Grandfather had a best little buddy, his brilliant adorable sidekick,” and “We have the OG Girl Dad— the best Granddad out there, the ultimate problem solver and world class hugger.” Concluding her statement she added, “We are so proud to be yours, Dad. We celebrate you every day and love you.”

Jennifer’s tribute to her late father is a touching homage to a man who lived a full life, was adored by his family, and left behind a legacy of love, strength, and integrity. As she, her sisters, and her mom continue to honor his life and reminisce over memories, the world gets a glimpse of the remarkable man William was. In their grief, the Garner family finds some solace in gratitude, celebrating the life of a dad and husband dearly loved.

Read another story that provides a more detailed account of the extraordinary life William led and the incredible bond he shared with his beloved daughters.

In August 2018, Jennifer Garner joined numerous actors, actresses, and musicians on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as the city honored her with a star. She graced the high-profile event with her presence, but the “Alias” star wasn’t alone, as her family was also in attendance, to whom she bore a striking resemblance.

Among them was her dad, William John Garner, a proud father of three with his wife, Patricia Ann Garner. William was a conservative dad who was particular about what he did and didn’t allow for his children. Now a retired chemical engineer, he values quality time with his family and sailing with his wife.

William drew his first breath in Baytown, Texas, on “the 21st night of September,” as his daughter once revealed on Instagram. It’s unclear what year he was born, but by 1961, he had joined the US Air Force, first as part of the F-101 ADC fighter squadron. He was appointed 1ST/LT Captain a year and a half later and retired from the army in 1964.

The following year, William enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, where he studied Aerosol Physics and Industrial Hygiene. He later studied Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M. He enjoyed high-ranking managerial positions at Union Carbide Chemical Co.

He retreated once for a year-and-a-half-long role at Molten Metal Technology between June 1996 and December 1997 before returning to Union Carbide Chemical Co for his last few years. It’s unknown how he and his wife met or when they married, but Patricia became a housewife after they settled down.

William’s second youngest, Jennifer, recalled that her mom “did all the cooking and cleaning, made our clothes, and cut out paper dolls” when she and her sisters were little. Patricia later attained her master’s and became an English teacher. When the actress, who was born on April 17, 1972, was three, her family moved to Charleston, West Virginia.

In another interview, Jennifer said she and her siblings were forbidden from piercing their ears, even though they went ahead — much to William’s surprise — when they were younger. Other things William prohibited were hair layers, dyes, perms, and manicures, as Jennifer explained:

“My dad didn’t think it was ladylike. My dad just felt like his daughters should be wholesome. Luckily for my dad, none of us really bucked him on it. We were all fine with it.”

Jennifer initially followed in William’s footsteps, majoring in Chemical Engineering at Denison University. She later switched to a Drama degree. Like her dad, the Golden Globe winner settled down with Ben Affleck (now married to Jennifer Lopez), and they had three children before divorcing amicably in 2018. The “Gone Girl” actor gets along with her current lover.

William’s eldest daughter, Melissa Garner, works in the marketing department of Gillette, and his youngest, Susannah Garner, is a West Virginia state accountant. Contrary to their famous sister, little is known about their personal lives. Their father retired from Union Carbide Chemical Co. in 2001.

William treated himself afterward, as Jennifer revealed in 2003, “My dad got his retirement boat a year ago, and now they’re sailing around the Bahamas.” He also shares his adventures on his Facebook page. In 2021, he wrote about a family vacation he took with his Garner girls and grandkids to Oklahoma.

Whether it’s his birthday, Father’s Day, or even random appreciation posts, William is frequently the subject of moving tributes from Jennifer. In 2016, he joined her when she appeared in a Capital One ad, where she sweetly recalled him proudly telling a sales assistant over the phone that he was, in fact, her father.