Bob Harris, former Duke Athletics radio commentator, dies at age 81

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Retired Duke University sports radio commentator Bob Harris died Wednesday.

He was 81.

Former radio analyst Wes Chesson announced Harris’ death in an update on a GoFundMe page set up to raise money for Harris’s care. He had previously been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and was in hospice care. Since its launch in early 2023, the page had raised more than $101,000 from more than 500 donations.

Chesson wrote that Harris died with his wife Phyllis “by his side, holding his hand.” Duke also released condolences from retired Hall of Fame basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski and athletic director Nina King.

Harris was the Blue Devils’ radio voice for men’s basketball and football for 41 years before retiring in 2017.

During this tenure under Krzyzewski, he commentated on 1,392 men’s basketball games, 13 Final Fours and all five of the Blue Devils’ NCAA championships (1991, 1992, 2001, 2010 and 2015).

Harris ended his tenure as a football commentator in November 2016 with 471 consecutive games, as well as six bowl games and Duke’s trip to the 2013 Atlantic Coast Conference football championship game.

“Bob told the story of Duke Athletics better than anyone else as our live radio commentator for decades,” Krzyzewski said. “He was much more than just an announcer to all of us. He was a family member who absolutely loved Duke and everything it stands for.”

“We are so grateful that it was his voice that shared our journey each season with so many Duke fans around the world. He was adored by so many of them. The Krzyzewski family extends our deepest condolences to Phyllis and her loved ones. It was an honor to call Bob my friend.”

Harris leaves behind his wife, daughter Bobbi Harris-McCoy, son-in-law Ron McCoy and two grandchildren.

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