William J. Casey William Joseph Casey ( March 13 , 1913 -- May 6 , 1987 ) was the Director of Central Intelligence from 1981 to 1987 .
William J. Casey William Joseph Casey ( March 13 , 1913 -- May 6 , 1987 ) was an American politician . He was the Director of Central Intelligence from 1981 to 1987 under Ronald Reagan .