In Memoriam - Congressman Archer

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William Reynolds Archer, Jr.
March 22, 1928 – July 4, 2026

William Reynolds Archer, Jr., devoted public servant, attorney, businessman, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed peacefully from this life on July 4, 2026, at his beloved farm in Stanley, Virginia. He was 98 years old.

Born on March 22, 1928, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Houston, Texas, Bill was the son of William Reynolds ("Billy") Archer Sr. and Eleanor Miller Archer. Shaped by the educational devotion of his Texas-German roots and the resilient faith of his South Louisiana ancestry, Bill, raised in a family that valued personal responsibility, individual initiative, self-reliance, thrift, and a steadfast faith in God, developed the character that would guide him throughout his life. From an early age, he exhibited the intellectual curiosity, competitive spirit, and unwavering sense of duty that became hallmarks of his remarkable career and enduring legacy.

Bill graduated with honors from St. Thomas High School before attending Rice University and later transferring to The University of Texas at Austin. At UT Austin, he was an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, played varsity tennis, was named the University's Outstanding Intramural Athlete in 1951, earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1949, and graduated with honors from the School of Law in 1951.

Following law school, he was commissioned as a Captain in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and later continued his service in the Air Force Reserve.

Returning to Houston, Bill established himself as both a businessman and attorney. He served as President of Uncle Johnny Mills, Inc., was a director of Heights State Bank, and later became a founding partner of the law firm Harris, Archer, Parks & Graul.

His commitment to public service began as a councilman and Mayor Pro Tem of Hunters Creek Village. In 1966, he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. During his first term, he joined the Republican Party, becoming only the second Republican in the 150-member Texas House. After winning reelection in 1968, he successfully sought election to the United States House of Representatives in 1970 to represent Texas's Seventh Congressional District, succeeding George H. W. Bush.

Congressman Archer would go on to represent the people of Houston for thirty years, winning reelection fourteen times before retiring in 2001. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for integrity, civility, and principled leadership.

After serving on the House Banking Committee, he joined the House Committee on Ways and Means, where he became Ranking Republican in 1988. Following the historic Republican majority in 1994, he was selected Chairman of the Committee, serving three terms at the helm of one of Congress's most influential committees.

As Chairman, Bill helped shape some of the most significant tax and fiscal legislation of his generation. His leadership led to the passage of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, Taxpayer Bill of Rights legislation, welfare reform, Medical Savings Accounts, expanded Individual Retirement Accounts, the child tax credit, estate tax relief, and numerous international trade initiatives. Throughout his career, he remained a steadfast advocate for lower taxes, free trade, economic growth, and a simpler, fairer tax code, always seeking to balance opportunity with fiscal responsibility.

Equally important to him was restoring public confidence in government. He believed elected officials should lead by personal example. Upon entering Congress, he ended all outside business interests, refused Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions, never held a Washington fundraiser, and voluntarily released financial disclosures that exceeded legal requirements. He also championed campaign finance reform, believing public service should remain accountable to the citizens it represents.

Most important to Bill was the opportunity public office gave him to help others. Among the many quiet acts of service throughout his career, he assisted freedom fighters from former Soviet bloc nations in finding refuge and ultimately becoming citizens of the United States — work that reflected both his compassion and his deep belief in liberty.

One of Bill's proudest legacies began during his first year in Congress when he established a congressional internship program for high school students from his district. Over three decades, nearly 3,000 young people participated, many inspired to pursue careers in public service. That vision ultimately led to the creation of The Archer Center, within The University of Texas System. Since its founding, the Center‘s nationally recognized Archer Fellowship Program has prepared thousands of students from all thirteen UT campuses for leadership through study and public service opportunities in Washington, D.C.

Following his retirement from Congress, Bill served as Senior Policy Advisor to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP from 2001 until 2015. He also served on the boards of the Tax Foundation and the American Council for Capital Formation and was founder and chairman of the International Conservation Caucus Foundation. In Houston, he remained deeply committed to serving those in need through his work with The Open Door Mission.

Though his public accomplishments were remarkable, those who knew Bill best will remember his unwavering devotion to family, his humility, his integrity, his love of country, and his conviction that public office was a sacred trust.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Sharon Sawyer Archer; his children and stepchildren, Dr. William Reynolds Archer III (Robbie), Richard Moore Archer (Carol), Sharon Leigh Funk (Fred), Elizabeth Ann Parker (Wayne), Barbara Elise Archer, Scott Patrick Sawyer (Beth), and Dr. Shannon Michael Sawyer (Dr. Summer); nineteen grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Reynolds Archer Sr. and Eleanor Miller Archer; his sister, Barbara Archer Bryant; infant son, Stephen Moore Archer; and his former wife, Patricia Moore.

Bill's life was one of extraordinary service — to his family, to Texas, to the nation, and to generations of young leaders who continue to carry forward his example. A lifelong Catholic devoted to his faith, he believed deeply in the promise of America and dedicated his life to strengthening the institutions that preserve freedom, opportunity, and individual responsibility. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched, the public servants he inspired, and the country he faithfully served.

There will be a Celebration of Life at 5 p.m., September 15th in the Ways and Means Committee Hearing Room, 1100 Longworth Building, Washington, DC. His Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on September 16th at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 6420 Linway Terrace, McLean, Virginia. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined. A cenotaph is also planned in the Texas State Cemetery, Austin, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Archer Center to support the continued education of future public servants.

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Archer Center Mourns the Passing and Recognizes the Enduring Legacy of Congressman Bill Archer (1928 – 2026)

Former U.S. Representative William Reynolds Archer, Jr., the visionary namesake and founder of the Archer Center, passed away on July 4, 2026, at his farm in Stanley, Virginia. He was 98 years old. His passing on the 250th anniversary of America’s founding is a fitting final tribute to a lifelong patriot who dedicated his life to his family, his faith, his nation, and the State of Texas.

Descended from some of Germany’s earliest settlers to Texas, Congressman Archer followed a deep family tradition of public service. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, later transitioning to local politics as a council member and mayor pro tempore for Hunters Creek Village. He served two terms in the Texas House of Representatives, earning a reputation as a reformer who championed transparency and good government.n 1970, Archer was elected to the United States House of Representatives, winning the Houston congressional seat vacated by President George H.W. Bush. Over his 30-year tenure representing west Houston, Archer won every reelection with at least 80% of the vote. He was widely revered in Washington for his integrity, civility, and fierce commitment to bipartisan cooperation. Under the "Archer Rule"— a philosophy stating that no member of the Texas Delegation should speak ill of another—he championed respect and collaboration across party lines.

During his final six years in office, Archer served as the Chairman of the powerful U.S. House Ways and Means Committee when America enjoyed some of its most successful economic times. In this role, he spearheaded major landmark legislation, including:

The 1997 Balanced Budget Act, achieving his two-decade goal of balancing the federal budget included in a bill giving Americans tax relief.
Sweeping Welfare and Healthcare Reforms, working closely with President Bill Clinton to extend the life of Medicare.
Archer Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs), paving the regulatory pathway for modern Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
Middle-Class Tax Relief, including expanding IRAs, easing the estate tax, and creating the $500 per child tax credit.

"My dad would often tell me that while it was rewarding to pass major legislation, he felt his greatest accomplishment was in helping individual people," said William “Reyn” Archer III, his eldest son. "He cared deeply for the power of one person achieving their best. Through the Archer Center, he leaves a lasting legacy of that desire for Texas and Texans."

Upon his retirement from Congress in January 2001, Archer established the Archer Center in partnership with The University of Texas System to cultivate future generations of leaders. The center expanded on a high school internship program he started during his first year in Congress in 1971.

“The University of Texas System is fortunate, proud, and honored to have Congressman Archer’s name permanently associated with our work and our mission,” said Chancellor John M. Zerwas, MD. “Through his extraordinary legacy of leadership and public service, thousands of Archer Fellows have been exposed to the highest ideals of civic engagement and inspired to carry those values forward in their own lives and careers.”

Since 2001, more than 2,200 undergraduate, graduate, law, and medical students have participated in the Archer Fellowship Program. In the spring of 2026, Mr. Archer made his final public appearance at the Library of Congress to celebrate the program's landmark 25th anniversary. Today, Archer Fellows intern across the White House, Capitol Hill, federal agencies, nonprofits, and international organizations. Alumni have gone on to build impactful careers, earning prestigious honors including Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Fulbright, and Schwarzman Scholarships.

"Chairman Archer believed profoundly in the power of public service and invested in students long before they recognized their own potential," said Katie Romano, executive director of the Archer Center. "Every Archer Fellow — past, present, and future — carries his legacy forward."

Funeral arrangements are pending, and further information will be shared as it becomes available.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Archer Center to support the continued education of future public servants.

Tributes to Congressman Archer

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"God bless Congressman Archer. What an incredible legacy he has left in his family and friends, his work and service, and in the lives of each of the Archer Fellows.

– Erin Dougherty, Spring 2003 Archer Fellow

How fitting for a patriot and statesman of Congressman Archer’s stature to leave us on July Fourth and to follow in the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. He leaves such an amazing and important legacy. May his memory be a blessing for his loved ones. He will be sorely missed.

– Ann R. Eisenberg, Longtime Campus Coordinator, The University of Texas at San Antonio

Thinking of the entire Archer Family. I am so thankful for the impact Congressman Archer has made in my life. The ability to be chosen as a fellow, to have the support and guidance navigating our nation's birthplace, and the continued community that he fostered through the Center. He changed the direction of my life forever; I am endlessly thankful.

– Sam Wall, Summer 2018 Graduate Archer Fellow

Dear Mr. Archer,

Reflecting on our first meeting in the Fall of 2001 fills me with gratitude. You took a chance on me and offered a life-changing opportunity through the Archer Fellowship program, for which I am forever thankful.

Like many students in the program, I dreamed of interning in Washington, D.C. As an international student, I understood such opportunities were scarce, but your belief in my potential meant the world to me. I still cherish our first conversation, when you shared your travels to Chiapas and northern Mexico. Your genuine interest in my perspectives on US-Mexico relations deeply touched me.

I feel incredibly fortunate and profoundly grateful for the chance to stay connected with you and Mrs. Archer over the years. Thank you for everything you’ve done for so many of us. Your kindness and example continue to inspire me every day. I will end this message as you always did with the heartfelt "Vaya con Dios."

– Arturo Barrio, Fall 2001 Archer Fellow and Chairman of the Archer Center Advisory Board

Over the weekend, many of us received the news that Chairman Bill Archer has passed. The Bill Archer Fellowship Program (the Archer Center) with The University of Texas System changed my life and the lives of thousands of others. I would not be the man and leader I am today had I not experienced this program and the vision that Chairman Archer had for the program’s impact and for those of us who experienced it. I’m so very grateful that Chairman Archer and his family came into my life and left a lasting impression on me and so many others, personally and professionally. My love and prayers go out to the entire Archer family — all of us.

– Todd Hill, Spring 2010 Archer Fellow

Congressman Archer believed in investing in future leaders and opening doors for others to serve — even for an undocumented girl from East Texas. His legacy lives on, and as an Archer Fellow, I carry his name with pride and deep gratitude. My thoughts are with his family during this time.

– Nancy Palencia Ramirez Holmgren, Spring 2010 Archer Fellow

Deeply saddened by the passing of Chairman Bill Archer. The Archer Fellowship helped shape the lives of countless students, including my own. His vision and commitment to public service created opportunities that continue to inspire and empower future generations. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the paths he helped make possible. May he rest in peace.

– Suchitra Acharjee, Summer 2023 Graduate Archer Fellow

Congressman Archer changed my life for the better. His program, the UT System Bill Archer Fellowship, has made an extraordinary difference internationally. Bill Archer was a good man. You will be sorely missed, Sir. It was one of my greatest privileges to know you and your family. God bless you and your family. A civic servant worthy of the histories, a national leader from the days of the American Republic.

– Cristian Villegas, Spring 2019 Archer Fellow

Chairman Archer and his Fellowship are foundational to the person I've become and the person I continually strive to become. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.

– Evan Crocker, Fall 2022 Archer Fellow

Back in the 90’s, my colleague Tomás Spath and I worked on social justice issues on behalf of the Presbyterian Church PC (USA). We came to know Bill and his staff very well, and his office became our home away from home whenever we were in D.C. Our relationship deepened into a friendship that lasted well beyond his time in Congress. One day, Bill encouraged us/challenged us to “clone” ourselves, as empowering others and working with both sides of the aisle was a priority for us. Because of Bill, we co-founded the Institute for Civility in Government, now the Institute for Civility. It would have never happened without him. He was a good man and a dear friend who shall always be deeply missed. What an honor it was to know him.

– Cassandra Dahnke, Constituent

Chairman Bill Archer believed profoundly in the power of public service and invested in students long before they recognized their own potential. Twenty years ago, he believed in this young Texan and entrusted me with the opportunity to carry forward his vision through the Archer Center.

I join the Archer family and our Archer Center community in mourning the passing of Congressman Archer and honoring a life defined by service, leadership, and an enduring belief in the next generation of public servants. Every Archer Fellow — past, present, and future — carries his legacy forward. May we honor him by continuing the work he believed in so deeply.

– Katie Romano, Executive Director of the Archer Center

I was privileged to serve as the second executive director of the Archer Center. My predecessor was my dear friend Kat Murray, and my successor is my dear friend Katie Romano. In April, we were together in D.C. to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this outstanding program that bears Chairman Archer's name and is his greatest legacy.

Hundreds of University of Texas System students have come through this program and learned vital lessons about civility, patriotism, hard work, and the importance of working together to solve our nation's challenges. Chairman Archer and Don Carlson envisioned a program where students can see firsthand how our government works, experiencing a semester in our nation's capital while maintaining their academic studies. The goal? To cultivate a deep sense of the value of public service and inspire the next generation who will lead our country and our world in the future. I am so blessed to have been a small part of this program, and even more so to have had the privilege to know this statesman and leader.

The Archer Fellowship is a very special community, and I know our collective future is brighter for the lives changed by this great man and this program. #ArcherFamily

– Jenifer Sarver, Former Executive Director of the Archer Center