Jesse Outlar, who spent 41 years at the Atlanta Constitution as a sports writer, sports editor and columnist, has died at the age of 87.

Outlar, a native of Finleyson, Ga., died Saturday at his home in Peachtree City. Mowell Funeral Home, which is handling funeral arrangements, confirmed Outlar's death.

Outlar served in the Marine Corps during World War II, then became sports editor of the Waycross Journal-Herald. He later joined the Atlanta newspaper staff, where he retired in 1988.

During his career, Outlar covered the World Series, the Super Bowl and other major events.

In 1973, after leaving an Atlanta Falcons game, Outlar was shot in the stomach by a robber. He recovered and returned to work within two months.

He is survived by two daughters and a son.

Tags: Georgia, GA., sports, columnist, Jesse Outlar, Finleyson, Atlanta Constitution