Bob Mills Furniture Founder Dies at 79, Leaving 12-Store Operation

Bob Mills, the founder and longtime president of Bob Mills Furniture, died on November 9, 2026. He was 79 years old. His family confirmed the news in a statement released that same afternoon.

Mills started the company in 1971 when he was 23 years old. At the time, he worked as an insurance typist in Oklahoma City. He secured a $25,000 loan from his mother and partnered with a friend to open the first store in a repurposed grocery building.

The early years were difficult for the business. By 1975, staff levels had dropped to just two employees. Mills kept the company going through those lean years. In the late 1980s, the business moved to a larger facility at 3600 W. Reno in Oklahoma City. That building is now 110,000 square feet. It serves as the corporate headquarters and flagship showroom.

Over the next five decades, Mills expanded the brand across three states. The company now operates 12 locations. Seven of these stores are in Texas, including in Amarillo, Lubbock, Odessa, Midland, Temple, Waco, and San Antonio. The remaining stores are in Oklahoma and Kansas. Specific cities listed include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Wichita, San Juan, and Schertz.

The business employs more than 400 people. Furniture Today ranked the company No. 49 on its list of the Top 100 Furniture Companies. It is considered one of the largest independent furniture chains in the region. The company marked its 55th anniversary in 2026.

Mills was a familiar face in media markets across Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. He appeared on television and radio to promote the store. He believed that families deserved quality furniture at fair prices. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, and their children, Bryan, Tuesday, and Chris. All four family members hold active roles in the business.

The family said in a social media post that the company will continue to operate. They stated that the business will move forward under the same core values that defined it for years. They described Mills as a person who built a legacy based on hard work and relationships. The family asked the public to keep them in thoughts and prayers.

Funeral and memorial service details have not been set. The family said they will share arrangements once they are finalized. Bob Mills Furniture will continue serving customers in all locations without interruption.