CHAPEL HILL, NC (WSPA) – Woody Durham, the voice of North Carolina basketball and football for 40 years, died Wednesday at his home. He was 76 years old.

Durham suffered from primary progressive aphasia at 12:45 a.m. according to the University of North Carolina Athletic Department. Primary Progressive Aphasia is a degenerative brain disorder that negatively impacted his ability to communicate.

“Our family is grateful for the incredible support my dad and our family received throughout his illness,” said Wes Durham in a statement from the university. “From the medical teams to the general public, it’s been amazing. We hold to and will always cherish the wonderful memories he left for our family and Carolina fans throughout the world.”

Durham was a North Carolina graduate who served as the voice of Tar Heels football and basketball from 1971 to 2011. Durham won the North Carolina Sportscaster of the Year Award 13 times.

He is survived by his wife, Jean, to whom he was married for 54 years; their two sons, Wes and Taylor; and two grandchildren, Emily and Will.

A celebration of Woody Durham’s life is planned for Sunday, April 8th, at Carmichael Arena on the UNC campus according to the university.
 
Memorial gifts may be made to the following:
 
Medical Foundation of NC
For Woody Durham Fund
PO Box 1050
Chapel Hill NC 27514
 
UNC Hospice
287 East Street, Suite 221
Pittsboro NC 27312