Bob Mills Founder of Bob Mills Furniture Passes Away at 79
News related to:Bob Mills Furniture · 2 min read
OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov. 10, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Bob Mills, the founder and longtime President of Bob Mills Furniture, passed away on November 9, 2026, at the age of 79. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Mills grew a modest local storefront into an industry powerhouse and a household name across Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas.
In 1971, 23-year-old Bob Mills was working as an insurance typist, issuing late-payment notices, but he envisioned a different path. Securing a $25,000 loan from his mother, he partnered with a friend to open his first furniture store in a repurposed Oklahoma City grocery building. Despite lean early years that saw staff shrink to just two employees by 1975, Mills persevered through grit and customer dedication.
The company reached a pivotal milestone in the late 1980s by moving to a 110,000-square-foot facility at 3600 W. Reno in Oklahoma City. Today, that building remains the company's flagship showroom and corporate headquarters.
Under Mills' leadership, the business expanded steadily across three states. Celebrating its 55th anniversary in 2026, Bob Mills Furniture now operates 12 locations, spanning Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Wichita, Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, San Antonio, San Juan, Schertz, Temple, and Waco, and employs over 400 people. Ranked No. 49 in Furniture Today's Top 100 Furniture Companies, it stands as one of the largest independent furniture chains in the region.
Mills is survived by his wife, Margaret, and their children, Bryan, Tuesday, and Chris, all of whom play active roles in the family business.
Bob Mills Furniture will continue serving customers across all locations, steadfast in the values established by its founder. Funeral and memorial service arrangements will be announced once finalized. The family requests thoughts and prayers during this time.
From humble beginnings to industry powerhouses, Bob Mills Furniture's journey is a testament to the vision and perseverance of its founder. Mills' commitment to providing quality furniture at fair prices resonated with generations of families in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. His legacy is not just in the business he built but in the values he instilled, which continue to guide the company today.