R.I.P. Furman Bisher

Alexis Stevens with the news of the legendary writer's passing.

"He put more quality words on newsprint than any other writer in the last half of the 20th century," former AJC editor Jim Minter said late Sunday. "He never wrote a bad column."

Minter said Bisher's wife and step-daughter called him Sunday evening with news of his passing. Bisher had planned to spend Sunday watching golf on television when he complained of feeling ill and his wife, Lynda, called 911, Minter said.

At the hospital, Bisher went to sleep, Minter said. Doctors later confirmed the newspaper legend had suffered a heart attack.

In recent weeks, Bisher had battled back pain and even worried he might have to miss the Masters because of it, Minter said. But he appeared to be in otherwise good health and as feisty as ever, Minter said.

Steve Hummer's farewell story when Bisher wrote his final column in October, 2009.

Scott Michaux's column on Bisher post retirement.

John Feinstein's blog post from around the same time.

Tim Ellerbee compiled these farewells to Bisher in 2009, including some beauties from Dave Kindred.

Bisher's final golf writing effort final golf blog post, dated December 6th, 2011.

Thanks to reader FWIW for this final golf column, dated March 12, 2012.

And Rob Matre with this super photo of Bisher inside the ropes.