William H. Webster, Former FBI and CIA Director, Passes Away at 101

William H. Webster, who served as the head of both the FBI and the CIA, has died at the age of 101. His family announced his passing on Friday, highlighting his remarkable career dedicated to national service.

Webster was uniquely distinguished as the only person to have led the country’s premier law enforcement agency and its primary intelligence organization. He led the FBI from 1978 to 1987 and the CIA from 1987 to 1991. His leadership came during critical periods of American history, including the aftermath of the Watergate scandal and the Iran-Contra affair.

Before leading these agencies, Webster served as a federal prosecutor and later as a federal judge for nearly eight years. His military service included deployments during World War II and the Korean War.

Appointed by President Jimmy Carter, Webster assumed the role of FBI director amid efforts to restore its reputation following scandals. Later, President Ronald Reagan chose him to oversee the CIA, succeeding William J. Casey, amid concerns of political interference within the agency.

Throughout his career, Webster emphasized integrity, famously stating that no director should hesitate to resign if asked to do something wrong.

In 2002, his expertise was sought once again when the Securities and Exchange Commission appointed him to chair a board overseeing the accounting industry, prompted by major corporate scandals. Webster’s legacy includes devoted public service spanning over six decades in various high-profile roles.

His contributions continue to resonate within the institutions he led and the generations of public servants he inspired. He is survived by his second wife, Lynda Clugston Webster, three children from his first marriage, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His first wife, Drusilla Lane, passed away in the 1980s.