Bob Mills Obituary: Oklahoma City Furniture Pioneer and Philanthropist Dies at 79

Bob Mills, founder of Bob Mills Furniture, died November 9, 2026, at 79. Oklahoma City remembers his business achievements, philanthropy, faith, and family legacy.

Oklahoma City is mourning the loss of Robert “Bob” Mills, the founder of Bob Mills Furniture, who died on November 9, 2026, at the age of 79. Remembered as a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor, and devoted family man, Mills leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond the furniture business he built over more than five decades.

For generations of customers across Oklahoma and neighboring states, Bob Mills was a familiar face through the company’s stores and television advertisements. To his family, friends, and colleagues, however, he was much more than a businessman. His life was shaped by his Christian faith, commitment to helping others, and pride in the people closest to him.

Early Life and Education

Bob Mills was born on July 13, 1947, in Roswell, New Mexico, to Rubel “Jim” and Annie L. “Sally” Mills. His family relocated to Oklahoma City when he was 13, and he graduated from Putnam City High School in 1965.

He later attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, where he studied music. A talented saxophone player, Mills helped pay for his education by performing with a rock-and-roll band.

Although he eventually focused his attention on business, his appreciation for music remained an important part of his personal story.

Building Bob Mills Furniture Into a Major Retail Business

In July 1971, at just 23 years old, Mills borrowed $25,000 from his mother to open his first furniture store in a former grocery building on Southwest 29th Street in Oklahoma City.

Starting with eight employees, he gradually developed the business into a major independent furniture retailer. Over the following decades, Bob Mills Furniture expanded to 12 locations across Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas.

In 2026, the company ranked 49th on Furniture Today’s list of the 100 largest furniture retailers in the United States.

His familiar television advertisements and distinctive approach to marketing helped make the business recognizable to customers throughout the region.

Faith, Generosity, and Mentorship

Beyond his business accomplishments, Mills was remembered for the importance he placed on Christian faith, generosity, and personal relationships. His obituary describes a man who believed in treating others fairly and offering help when people faced difficult circumstances.

His generosity reportedly took many forms, including financial assistance, employment opportunities, guidance, and encouragement. He also served as a mentor to people around him, sharing his experience and encouraging others to develop their abilities.

Much of this support was offered quietly, without seeking public recognition. For those who benefited from his kindness, his influence extended well beyond the furniture industry.

Family Life and Personal Values

Despite his public profile as a business leader and television personality, Mills placed great importance on his family. He took pride in his children and grandchildren and valued the opportunity to see the next generation become involved in the company he had established.

His distinctive appearance, often featuring tailored suits and colorful pocket squares, also became part of his recognizable public image. He encouraged others to take pride in their presentation and believed in continually improving themselves.

The principle of continuous improvement was reflected in one of the company’s core values, “Never Be Satisfied,” a phrase associated with Mills’s approach to business and personal growth.

Business and Community Recognition

During his career, Mills received recognition for his contributions to business, education, and the Oklahoma community. The honors listed in the supplied obituary include:

• 2001: Named a Distinguished Alumnus of Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

• 2007: Inducted into the Oklahoma City University Meinders School of Business Hall of Honor.

• 2024: Recognized by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County with its Corporate Champion of Youth award.

• 2026: Bob Mills Furniture ranked 49th among the nation’s Top 100 furniture retailers.

He also served as chairman of the board of directors for IBC Oklahoma and supported charitable organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County.

Bob Mills Family and Survivors

Bob Mills is survived by his wife, Margaret, and their three children, Bryan, Tuesday, and Chris. His family also includes beloved grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and extended relatives.

His family has described his death as an immeasurable loss and expressed gratitude to the employees, customers, friends, and supporters who contributed to his life’s work.

The family has also confirmed that Bob Mills Furniture will continue operating, guided by the values and commitment to customers that shaped the business.

Bob Mills Cause of Death

Bob Mills died on November 9, 2026, at the age of 79. His cause of death has not been publicly disclosed in the available family announcement and obituary information.

No specific medical condition or circumstances surrounding his death should be assumed.

Celebration of Life and Memorial Service

A public celebration of Bob Mills’s life is scheduled for:

A Legacy That Extends Beyond Furniture

Bob Mills built a successful regional furniture business from a modest Oklahoma City storefront, but his legacy encompasses more than commercial growth.

His influence can also be seen in the employees and colleagues he mentored, the charitable causes he supported, the relationships he developed, and the family values he passed on.

The company’s guiding principle, “Never Be Satisfied,” reflected his belief in continued growth and improvement. As his family, friends, employees, and customers remember him, his work and personal example remain part of the story he leaves behind.

Disclaimer

This article is based on the supplied obituary and publicly available family and memorial information. Bob Mills’s death on November 9, 2026, at age 79, and the November 17 celebration-of-life arrangements are confirmed. His specific cause of death has not been disclosed. Details about his personal generosity, awards, and community involvement are included as described in the supplied obituary and should not be interpreted as a complete record of his activities.