Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Bob Mills, Founder of Bob Mills Furniture, Dies at 79

Bob Mills, the Oklahoma City furniture seller whose television commercials made him one of the most familiar business faces in Oklahoma, died on Monday. He was 79.

His family announced the death in a statement shared with employees and posted by the company. "Bob built more than a furniture company. He built a legacy rooted in hard work, determination, relationships, and a genuine belief in people," the family said. The family said the passing was an immeasurable loss and thanked employees for their loyalty and dedication.

The Oklahoman reported that Mills billed himself as "the working man's friend" and appeared in television commercials that aired as recently as Sunday. His family said Bob Mills Furniture will continue to operate, guided by the values that defined the business under his leadership. Funeral arrangements had not been released on Monday.

A $25,000 loan and a former grocery store

Mills opened his first store on July 3, 1971, at 2526 SW 29 in Oklahoma City, in a former IGA grocery building. The Oklahoman reported that he secured a $25,000 loan from his mother to launch the store, and News 9 reported that he partnered with a friend at the start. The company had only two employees in 1975, according to News 9, and Mills kept going after the early partnership ended.

Mills held a degree in music and a minor in business from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, The Oklahoman reported. He started the Bob Mills Furniture Country television show in 1973, building a public profile that lasted more than five decades.

In the late 1980s the business moved into a 110,000 square foot facility at 3600 W. Reno in Oklahoma City. That site remains the company's flagship showroom and corporate headquarters. The chain now runs 12 locations in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas and employs more than 400 people.

An Oklahoma fixture

Mills supported local charities that included Allied Arts, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and he was inducted into Oklahoma City University's Oklahoma Commerce and Industry Hall of Honor, The Oklahoman reported.

David F. Griffin, chairman and chief executive of Griffin Media, called Mills a true Oklahoma icon. "Bob was a dear and wonderful friend to both the Griffin family and our company for many years," Griffin said. "He was also a true Oklahoma icon, a business trailblazer, a friend to the community, and an inspirational leader for many."

Mills is survived by his wife, Margaret, and their children, Bryan, Tuesday and Chris, who all play active roles in the family business, The Oklahoman reported.