Ronald Gumby, Sr. Obituary

On the morning of Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the tender age of 86 years; 6 months and 31 days our beloved Ronald Eugene Gumby, Sr. – brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and good friend was called home to be with our Lord, Jesus Christ at the Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Hospital in Carlisle, PA.

Ronald was born on Wednesday, June 21, 1939, at 10:50am to the late William Henry Gumby, Sr. and Anna Elizabeth Courts-Gumby in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Ronald received his formal education in Harrisburg City Schools, attending the former John Harris High School graduating Class of 1956, where he excelled in a variety of sports, football and basketball.

At a very young age, Ronald accepted Jesus Christ while attending Bethel African Methodist Episcopal {AME} Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with his parents. In his later years he became a member of the Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Harrisburg, PA, having served on the Mass Choir and on some Sundays, you would find him on his post as a faithful Usher.

After graduation Ronald was employed by the City of Harrisburg as a Trash Collector. He could be heard in the wee hours of the morning singing, “My name is Ronald Gumby”. In 1958, he joined the United States Marine Corps to which he served 20 years and 1 day, giving service for the country he loved. He retired with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Serving in the Vietnam War as a Military Policeman (MP) he excelled at Rifle Sharpshooting and Pistol Marksmanship. He received the Vietnan Campaign Medal, Good Conduct and Vietnam Civil Action Ribbon. After his retirement, he was employed at the New Cumberland Army Depot, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania and retired after 20 years of service. He received several certificates for training in various areas such as National Fire Academy Field Course and Officer Training Tactics. Semper Fi, Always Faithful!!

Gumby, as he was affectionately called, was an avid sport fan. He enjoyed all genres of sports. On Saturdays, you could always find him at Severance Field, cheering on the Harrisburg Cougars. Or spending time at his son’s, Ron, Jr., (Beeper Gumby) home or hanging with his niece Debbie Sanders on any given Sunday. Wednesday nights you could find him hanging out and playing Spades with his brothers Bobby, Charlie, Wesley and friends. On Thursday’s you could spot him at the Heinz Senior Center having a good time with his crew.

Ronald was a loving and devoted brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle to his family. He gave unselfishly of himself to others and was always willing to help in any way he could. Even though he could be a little brash on occasion, he was a very strong and humble man. We will always remember and cherish the beautiful life he shared with us.

Along with his parents, Ronald was predeceased by his son, Allen K. Randolph of Winterville, North Carolina and great-grandson Nasir Zion Smith; brothers, William H. Sr., Elder Robert W., Charles E., Herman G. Gumby., and brother/nephew Richard Lester., sisters; Willa Mae Gumby, Pauline E. Sanders, and Vivian Murray.

Ronald is survived by his children, Candice M. Ingram, Renee D. Gumby-Colbert, Crystal L. Gumby, Ronald E. (Jeanette) Gumby, Jr., Carole A. Henderson, Dr. Linda M. Green Gumby, Jeremiah Holmes-Gumby, all of Harrisburg Pa., and Larry (Tamika) Randolph of Winterville, NC. His brother Elder Dr. John W. Gumby, Sr. and sister/niece Dr. Anna (Betty) Gumby-Krishnappa; sister-in-law Mother Bernice Gumby; 18 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends and loved ones.

OOHRAH! Semper Fi Marine.

Lovingly submitted, the Gumby Family

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.