Ralph E. Gosnell II, of Valdosta, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Langdale Hospice House. He was born in Warren, Ohio, on October 14, 1957, to the late Ralph E. Gosnell and Helen Ruth Abplanalp Gosnell.

Ralph was active in Scouting as a young man and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He was also a member of The Order of DeMolay, an organization dedicated to developing leadership, citizenship, and character in young men. Ralph grew up in Hartford, Ohio, and after graduating from Badger High School, attended Case Western Reserve University and The Pennsylvania State University, where he met Donna and earned a B.S. in microbiology. While in college, he participated in ROTC and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Ralph and Donna sat next to each other at their graduation in November 1981, and that day Ralph was also commissioned as a surface line officer of the U.S. Navy. Ralph and Donna married April 17, 1982 and the couple made their home in San Diego, California, where they welcomed two daughters and built their life together.

Following twelve years of service, Ralph left the Navy at the rank of Lieutenant. In 1995, Donna accepted a position at Valdosta State University, and the family relocated to Georgia. Ralph earned a B. S. in Computer Information Systems from Valdosta State University and subsequently worked there twenty-one years as a programmer. He joined the Valdosta Choral Guild, where he sang tenor and assumed many other leadership duties. He also was a long-time member of the choir at First Methodist Church.

Ralph loved animals, especially cats, and often fed and cared for stray cats. He looked forward to annual family trips to Mexico Beach, Florida, each fall for more than 20 years. He was an avid reader, Nittany Lion fan, and lover of good food. Mostly, he enjoyed spending time with family. Ralph was known for his quick wit, unfiltered humor, and generous spirit. Above all, he was a devoted husband and father, and an exceptionally loving grandfather.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Donna Lee Dobson Gosnell of Valdosta; his daughters, Maureen Reeder and her husband, Robert Walsh, of Adel, Georgia, and Audra Gosnell and her fiancé, Wesley Starrine, of Valdosta; his grandchildren, Angel Herring and Eve Reeder of Adel; his sister, Robin Sullinger and her husband, Reverend Thomas Sullinger, of Danville, Arkansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Rebecca Fox and Rachelle Wilkes.

A memorial service for Ralph will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Valdosta Choral Guild at P. O. Box 4842, Valdosta, GA 31604.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home is serving the Gosnell family.