NEWYou now have the option to listen to articles from Fox News!
The family of William H. Webster, a former director of the FBI and CIA, announced on Friday that he has passed away at the age of 101.
Webster held leadership positions at the FBI from 1978 to 1987 and at the CIA from 1987 to 1991, making him the only individual to head both agencies.
“We are proud of the exceptional man we had in our lives, who dedicated his life to safeguarding his country and upholding its valuable rule of law,” his family stated.
Prior to his roles in Washington, he served as a federal prosecutor and later served as a federal judge for approximately eight years.
William H. Webster, the former FBI and CIA director, has passed away at the age of 101. (Getty Images)
Former President Jimmy Carter appointed Webster, a Republican, as head of the FBI for a 10-year term to help restore the agency’s reputation following revelations of domestic spying, internal corruption, and other abuses of power.
Webster was later chosen by President Ronald Reagan to lead the CIA, succeeding director William J. Casey, who had faced criticism for being too political and contributing to the Iran-Contra scandal.
“Every director of the CIA or the FBI should be ready to resign if asked to do something they know is wrong,” Webster once remarked.
Webster was the only person to head the FBI and CIA. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
In 2002, the Securities and Exchange Commission appointed Webster to lead a board tasked with overseeing the accounting profession in response to scandals involving companies like Enron.
Former FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed deep sadness over Webster’s passing, stating, “My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time. His legacy will live on, not only in the institutions he led, but in the generations of public servants he inspired to continue his work,” Wray added.
Webster led the FBI from 1978 to 1987 and the CIA from 1987 to 1991. (AP)
Webster is survived by his second wife, Lynda Clugston Webster, three children from his first marriage and their spouses, seven grandchildren and spouses, and 12 great-grandchildren. His first wife, Drusilla Lane, passed away in the 1980s.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
