After 43 years as the lead voice on Georgia's radio network, play-by-play announcer Larry

Munson announced Monday that he has retired, effective immediately.

Larry Munson, in his 43rd season calling play-by-play for the Bulldogs, is calling it quits. Rick Diamond/Getty Images

The 85-year-old Munson called No. 3 Georgia's first two home games this season but said he will not be in the booth Saturday when the Bulldogs take on No. 8 Alabama.

"I can't express enough my deep feelings toward the Georgia football fans," Munson said in a statement released by Georgia. "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."

Munson, who underwent surgery April 4 to remove blood clots from his

brain, cut back on his schedule last season, when he worked only

home games. Georgia said Scott Howard and Eric Zeier will work the

remaining home and road games.

"Not having him in the booth is something that every Georgia fan is going to miss," said Zeier, a former Georgia quarterback. "He's an iconic figure at the university. It was an honor for me to have played in games he called, and to have worked with him the last couple of years was quite a thrill. He might not be there in the booth, but he'll be in mind and spirit with every Georgia fan."

Munson, who turns 86 on Sunday, spent several weeks at a rehabilitation facility in Atlanta this summer, but was in good enough health to return to the radio booth for Georgia's Aug. 30 opener against FCS opponent Georgia Southern.