Jennifer Garner Mourns Death of Dad William at 85: A 'Kind and Brilliant Man, Father and Grandfather'
"We were with him, singing Amazing Grace as he left us," wrote the actress
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William John Garner and Jennifer Garner on Aug. 20, 2018Jennifer Garner is remembering her dad William John Garner after his death at age 85.
The Family Switch actress, 51, announced on Instagram Monday that her father "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," she wrote alongside family photos, adding, "Today is for gratitude."
Garner, who grew up in West Virginia also with her mom Patricia Ann Garner plus two sisters Melissa and Susannah, said her family is "grateful for Dad’s gentle demeanor and quiet strength."
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She continued in her tribute, "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. 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."
Garner wrote that "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," she wrote, "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."
On Jan. 1, Garner celebrated her parents' wedding anniversary, writing on Instagram, "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."
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