Legendary Radio Announcer Bob Harris Obituary: Renowned Voice of Duke Athletics Bob Harris Dies at 81, Bob Harris Passed Away With Wife by His Side After Alzheimer’s Battle, Harris Called Five NCAA Championships and Spent 41 Years as Blue Devils’ Radio Voice
Bob Harris, the iconic voice of Duke University’s football and men’s basketball teams, passed away on Wednesday in Durham, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over four decades. Harris, 81, had been battling Alzheimer’s disease and was under hospice care, surrounded by his loving family, including his wife Phyllis.
The retired radio play-by-play announcer spent 41 incredible years calling games for the Blue Devils, with his voice becoming synonymous with the team’s triumphs and tribulations. Harris’s remarkable career was punctuated by five NCAA championship wins, 13 Final Fours, and 16 ACC Tournament championship game victories.
Born in Albemarle, North Carolina in 1942, Harris’s passion for sports and broadcasting led him to become an integral part of Duke’s athletic family. His dedication and talent earned him numerous accolades, including three N.C. broadcaster of the year awards, induction into the N.C. Sports Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Skeeter Francis Award for distinguished service to the ACC.
Harris’s love for Duke athletics was evident in every broadcast, as he brought games to life with his unique voice and style. His ability to convey the excitement and emotion of each game endeared him to generations of Blue Devils fans, who cherished his iconic calls, including Christian Laettner’s buzzer-beating shot against Kentucky in 1992.
As news of Harris’s passing spread, tributes poured in from the Duke community, including a heartfelt statement from retired Hall of Fame men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski. “For decades, Bob told the story of Duke Athletics better than anyone,” Krzyzewski said. “He was much more than an announcer to all of us. He was a family member who absolutely loved Duke and everything it stands for.”
Harris is survived by his wife Phyllis, daughter Bobbi Harris-McCoy, son-in-law Ron McCoy, and two grandchildren. His legacy will continue to inspire and delight fans, as his voice remains etched in the memories of countless Blue Devils games.
Bob Harris’s impact on Duke athletics extended far beyond his impressive resume. He was a true ambassador for the university, representing the school with class, professionalism, and an unwavering passion for the Blue Devils. As his legendary voice falls silent, the Duke community comes together to mourn the loss of a beloved friend and to celebrate an extraordinary life.
Harris’s remarkable journey began in 1976, when he first took the microphone as the voice of Duke football and men’s basketball. Over the next 41 years, he would go on to call an astonishing 1,392 men’s basketball games, 471 consecutive football games, and five NCAA championship victories.
His dedication to Duke athletics was unwavering, and his love for the Blue Devils was evident in every broadcast. Harris’s unique voice and style brought games to life, making him an integral part of the Duke athletic family. His ability to convey the excitement and emotion of each game endeared him to generations of Blue Devils fans.
As Harris’s career progressed, he became an iconic figure in college sports broadcasting. His talent and dedication earned him numerous accolades, including three N.C. broadcaster of the year awards, induction into the N.C. Sports Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Skeeter Francis Award for distinguished service to the ACC.
Harris’s impact on the Duke community extended far beyond his impressive resume. He was a true ambassador for the university, representing the school with class, professionalism, and an unwavering passion for the Blue Devils. His love for Duke athletics was evident in every broadcast, and his legacy will continue to inspire and delight fans for generations to come.
Despite his many accomplishments, Harris remained humble and grounded, always putting the needs of others before his own. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for the Duke community will never be forgotten.
As the news of Harris’s passing spread, tributes poured in from across the country. Former radio analyst Wes Chesson, who worked alongside Harris for many years, remembered his colleague as a true friend and a legendary broadcaster. “Bob’s life on this earth has ended,” Chesson said, “but as he announced at the end of an assured Duke victory, today Bob is proclaiming ‘How Sweet It Is.'”
Harris’s legacy will continue to be celebrated by the Duke community, as his voice remains etched in the memories of countless Blue Devils games. His love for Duke athletics was evident in every broadcast, and his dedication to the university will never be forgotten.
In a statement, Duke athletics director Nina King said, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Harris. We send our heartfelt condolences to Phyllis and the entire Harris family. Duke, the
