Richard Forrest Goss

Richard Forrest Goss, 82: The Surveyor of the "Unsinkable"

A man who lived a life that required seven passports to document and a deep faith to sustain, passed away on February 6, 2026. Born September 10, 1943, in Wilmington, DE, Rich grew up on the shores of Bethany Beach—a fitting start for a man who would spend eight decades mastering the mechanics of land, sea, and air.

A standout multi-sport athlete and a brilliant mechanical mind, Rich spent years as a race car mechanic and a pilot before finding his calling as a Marine Surveyor for over 40 years. His expertise took him from Japan to the Bahamas; most notably, he was the surveyor responsible for certifying the seaworthiness of the Titanic for the 1997 film. In retirement, Rich traded his passports for an RV, finding joy in the open road alongside his wife, Carol. Above all his travels, Rich loved the Lord, and his faith was the compass that guided him home.

A veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, Rich was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Goss; his parents, Richard and Charlotte; his sister, Elaine; and his brother-in-law, Glen. He is survived by his sons, Edward, Kyle, and Jerome Fuller, and his nieces, Remi and Whitney.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 28th at 11:00 AM at Second Baptist Church North Campus in Kingwood, Texas, with a lunch reception to follow. Flowers are greatly appreciated; however, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests planting a tree in Rich’s name in a location of your choice. He spent 40 years making sure ships were fit for the water; help us make sure the earth is fit for the future.