by OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Bob Mills, the founder and longtime executive of retailer Bob Mills Furniture died today unexpectedly. He was 79.
His family announced his passing on the company’s Facebook page Monday saying that the company will continue his 55-year legacy.
According to the Facebook post, he opened his first store in Oklahoma City in 1971 following his graduation from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1969, where he obtained a bachelor of arts in business administration and management.
The company said that at the time, he was 23 and was working as an insurance typist, issuing late-payment notices. However, he wanted to pursue a different path and with the help of a $25,000 loan from his mother, he partnered with a friend to open his first furniture store in a repurposed Oklahoma City grocery store. And despite struggles during the early years that saw staff drop to two employees by 1975, “Mills persevered through grit and customer dedication.”
The company noted that the business reached a pivotal milestone in the late 1980s by moving to a 110,000-square-foot facility at 3600 W. Reno Ave. in Oklahoma City. Today, that building remains the company’s flagship showroom and corporate headquarters.
“What began inside a former grocery store grew into a regional furniture company with 12 locations across Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, including its Lubbock, Texas, showroom at 6000 Spur 327,” the company said, noting that its individual locations also include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Wichita, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, San Antonio, San Juan, Schertz, Temple, and Waco. Together they employ more than 400 people. The company also ranks at No. 67 on Home News Now’s 125 Furniture & Bedding Retailers 2025
“Bob built more than a furniture company. He built a legacy rooted in hard work, determination, relationships, and a genuine belief in people,” his family wrote. “What began as one man’s vision grew into something far greater than he ever imagined.”
It went on to state that he remained “closely associated with the company bearing his name for more than 55 years. His familiar television appearances and advertising helped make him recognizable to customers across the region.”
His family also described him as “a devoted husband, father and businessman who was especially proud of the employees who helped build the company.”
The company added that Bob Mills Furniture will remain open and “continue operating under the values and vision established by its founder.”
“Over a career spanning more than five decades, Mills grew a modest local storefront into an industry powerhouse and a household name across the region,” the company added in its statement shared with Home News Now. “To generations of families in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas, Mills was more than a successful business owner. He was a warm, familiar presence on television and radio—a
trusted voice who believed everyone deserved quality furniture at a fair price.”
Mills is survived by his wife, Margaret, and their children, Bryan, Tuesday, and Chris, all of whom play active roles in the family business.
Funeral and memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date. The family requests thoughts and prayers during this time.
