Legendary Georgia radio voice Larry Munson is stepping away from the microphone for good.

Munson -- whose unique, gravely, partisan play-by-play style made him beloved by Bulldogs fans for decades -- is retiring effective immediately, the school announced Monday.

Munson, who was in his 43rd season calling football for the Bulldogs, will turn 86 on Sunday.

He had brain surgery April 4 to remove a blood clot but returned to call home games this season against Georgia Southern and Central Michigan. He gave up calling road games last season.

"I can't express enough my deep feelings toward the Georgia football fans," Munson said in a statement. "They have been so friendly especially during this most recent period of time. I feel I owe them so much more than I can give. I'll remember all the great times with the Dogs and have the fondest wishes and good luck toward them all."

Monday's sudden announcement even surprised sideline reporter Loran Smith -- whom Munson frequently asked during broadcasts, "Whatchagot Loran?"

Scott Howard, who will handle the play-by-play role for the rest of the season and could be Munson's permanent successor, said he learned of Munson's retirement when he was asked to host coach Mark Richt's Monday call-in show in Munson's place.

"It's the end of an era, I guess, certainly for Bulldogs fans, and for me, too," Howard said. "I've been listening to Larry for a long time and have been fortunate to work with him for the last 15, 16 years."

A woman who answered the phone at Munson's home and identified herself as a senior health care worker said he was not available for further comment.

"Larry made the decision over the weekend after consultation with his family, doctor and close friends," Munson's son Michael said in a statement.

Georgia athletic director Damon Evans said the decision to retire was left entirely to Munson.

"You hate to see a legend leave, but at the same time, you want individuals to go out on their terms and that's exactly what Larry's been able to do," Evans said,

Munson, a Minneapolis native who began calling Georgia games in 1966, was the 2003 winner of the Chris Schenkel Award, given to a broadcaster who has a long and distinguished career in college football. He also called Georgia basketball games from 1987-96.

Munson was a member of the Atlanta Braves' original broadcast team in 1966 and worked Atlanta Falcons games from 1989-92, but he made his home with Georgia football.

As Munson's health declined, however, listeners weren't the only ones who noticed it had taken a toll on his broadcasting.

"He always had such a strong voice through the years, but it seemed a little weaker the first couple of games to me," Smith said. "Then we had him on the pregame show for Arizona State and he sounded terrific. I thought since the Alabama game was coming, big game, a lot of excitement, he'd get back in the groove."

Howard, 45, who has called Georgia road games in Munson's absence since last season, will be joined for the rest of the season by former Bulldogs quarterback Eric Zeier, who has handled the color commentary on road games since last season.

"What do you say when a legend steps down?" Richt asked.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity I've had to be associated with him. It's been an honor to work with one of the legendary college football broadcasters of all time. I hope he enjoys his full retirement and wish him the very best in all the things he decides to do."

Munson's retirement was a surprise to Georgia players, too.

"Being a Georgia fan, I grew up hearing his calls," tight end Tripp Chandler said.

"My parents have the recording of his call of my first touchdown. He will be missed."

Associated Press reports were used in this article.

Reach Marc Weiszer at marc.weiszer@onlineathens.com.