Bob Harris, longtime Duke Blue Devils’ broadcaster, dies

Published 12:08 pm Wednesday, June 12, 2024

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Bob Harris, an Albemarle native who was the long reigning “Voice of the Duke Blue Devils,” died Wednesday.

Wes Durham, whose father Woody Durham was the longtime “Voice of the Tar Heels,” said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, “Prayers to the family & many friends of legendary @DukeFOOTBALL & @DukeMBB voice Barris Harris. The soundtrack of 5 @MarchMadnessMBB titles and countless @accmbb moments. A kind & welcoming friend to so many in our industry. God bless you for job well done.”

Wes Chesson, who worked alongside Harris as color analyst for Duke football broadcasts, announced his death on a GoFundMe page for the family. The account was raising funds for his hospice care.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I report that Bob Harris passed away this morning with Bob’s wife Phyllis at his side, holding his hand. No memorial service plans have been made at this point, but I will send out an update as soon as I know something,” Chesson wrote. “To the 565 contributors who provided over $101,000 to Bob’s GoFundMe, Phyllis and the entire Harris family thank you for your love and support. Your financial support has significantly eased the monetary strain on Bob’s family and knowing that 565 people care about and love Bob enough to take the time and be willing to contribute to Bob’s support has made all the difference.

“Bob’s life on this earth has ended, but as he announced at the end of an assured Duke victory, today Bob is proclaiming ‘How Sweet It Is.’ ”

This is a developing story that will be updated.