“Rip”: After Jerry West, Another NCAA Legend Passes Away as Duke Fans Pay Tribute to Deceased 81-Year-Old

Today is indeed a sad day for the basketball world as it finds itself engulfed in mourning. Following the death of NBA icon Jerry West, the tragic news once again strikes the basketball world. The voice behind 1,392 Duke basketball games, including 13 Final Fours and 16 ACC championship games, Bob Harris, 81, has passed away after battling Alzheimer’s disease for the past few years. This news was announced by the GoFundMe page that raised funds for Harris’ hospice care. Consequently, while in mourning, the basketball world further weeps for the NCAA Legend and the ‘Voice of the Blue Devils.’

Over the course of his career, Bob Harris broadcasted over 471 Duke football games spanning four decades until his retirement. And for a voice that will be greatly missed, condolences were sent to his family today. To express the same, ACC took to their X account and penned, “Bob Harris, retired Duke athletics radio voice who called five NCAA basketball titles, dies.”

The legendary, longtime voice behind the Duke Blue Devils fell silent, holding hands with his wife Phyllis as he died in Durham today at 81 years old. “It is with a very heavy heart that I report that Bob Harris passed away this morning,” shared Bob Harris’ colleague Wes Chesson on the GoFundMe page that funded Harris’ hospital care.

A life remembered

Hailing from a small town in North Carolina, the journey to success wasn’t smooth for Harris. At the age of 25, Harris took baby steps towards becoming a broadcaster. Starting off as a Sports Director at WZKY, Harris switched multiple positions until he served as a member of the board of directors at North Carolina in 2016-19.

During his journey, he not only worked hard but also started writing about his experiences. In December 2010, he published his autobiography, “How Sweet It Is!: From the Cotton Mill to the Crows’ Nest.” Finally, he retired in 2017 with a successful career and tons of memories.

But his struggle started right from there. A couple of years ago, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, which degenerated his brain cells. In this intense situation, when his cognitive functions were declining, his family stood by him. While his biological family helped him to survive, his online family helped with funds. But not anymore, as he took his last breath on June 12, 2024. At this moment, the sports world dives in to share condolences with his family and friends.

Bob Harris’ departure, a void in sports commentary

Chronicle Sports took to their official X account and penned a heartfelt note: “Former play-by-play broadcaster Bob Harris, who was known as ‘The Voice of the Blue Devils’ during his time calling games from 1976-2017, has passed away at the age of 82.” Notably, Harris garnered attention in the sports world as he registered the longest tenure of play-by-play broadcasting in ACC history. “RIP to Bob Harris,” added Timothy Gonzales.

Harris’ broadcasting success is unmatched as he is the lone three-time recipient of the North Carolina Broadcaster of the Year award in 2011, 1991, and 1988. “RIP Bob Harris, one of the best play-by-play announcers in ACC history,” shared Shinobu. At the time Harris closed his football broadcasting career with Duke, he had a record of calling 471 consecutive games.

He began the streak on September 11, 1976, at Duke’s season opener and ended it after 40 years at the season finale in Miami. “So sad to hear about the passing of Blue Devils legend Bob Harris,” said Jordan Moore, defender. During his 40 years, Harris called six postseason bowl games, including the Coca-Cola Bowl against Clemson and the Dr. Pepper ACC Championship Game.

Another spectator added, “OMG, a tough day when I learned that superstar Jerry West passed & now just learned of the passing of Bob Harris, voice of @DukeMBB for years. Bob was so friendly over the years in my visits to Cameron & was always willing to share tidbits on the Duke players. A real classy guy who represented Duke in a first-class manner. May Bob RIP!”

Today is a harsh day for basketball! Not one but two legends took their last breaths today. While Jerry West’s departure left the NBA numb, Bob Harris’ death struck hard. Back in 2006, Harris was first inducted into the NC Sports Hall of Fame. With years of dedication, he accomplished the NC Broadcaster of the Year accolade. Not only this, but he was also enshrined in the Stanly County Sports and Duke Athletics Hall of Fame.

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