Bob Mills Parents: The Story Behind His Mother’s Support and Furniture Business Success

Bob Mills, the Oklahoma businessman and familiar television advertising personality who founded Bob Mills Furniture, died at age 79, his family announced on November 9, 2026. His passing brought renewed attention to the company’s 55-year history, including the financial support he received from his mother when he opened his first furniture store.

Bob Mills’ parents played an important role in his early life, although their names have not been widely documented. His father passed away before Mills established his business, while his widowed mother provided a $25,000 loan that allowed him to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. That investment helped launch what eventually became a major furniture retail chain across Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas.

Who Were Bob Mills’ Parents?

Bob Mills was born on July 13, 1947, in Roswell, New Mexico. His family later moved to Oklahoma City when he was approximately 13 years old.

Although detailed biographical information about his parents remains limited, his mother’s financial contribution is a well-documented part of his business story.

After completing college, Mills approached his mother for money to establish a furniture store. She agreed to provide $25,000, expecting him to repay the investment.

The arrangement gave Mills the opportunity to begin a business that would eventually employ hundreds of people.

How Did Bob Mills’ Mother Help Start His Business?

Bob Mills graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1969 and initially worked as an insurance company clerk typist.

He earned approximately $400 per month but wanted to establish his own business. After learning about opportunities in furniture retail, he began exploring the cost of opening a store.

The estimated investment was $25,000, an amount he could not afford independently.

His mother agreed to lend him the money, providing the financial foundation for his business.

On July 3, 1971, Mills opened his first furniture store in a former grocery building on Southwest 29th Street in Oklahoma City.

The company initially faced financial challenges, but Mills continued developing the business through advertising, customer service and expansion.

What Is Known About Bob Mills’ Father?

Information about Bob Mills’ father is comparatively limited. Accounts of the company’s beginnings indicate that Mills’ mother was widowed when she financed his first store.

However, his father’s name, occupation and exact date of passing have not been consistently established in reliable public biographies.

Mills rarely discussed his father’s personal background in the business interviews that became publicly available.

His early life is more clearly documented through his education in Oklahoma and the financial assistance he received from his mother.

Who Was Bob Mills’ Wife Margaret Mills?

Bob Mills was married to Margaret Mills, who remained closely associated with the family business.

The couple had three children, Bryan, Tuesday and Chris Mills. All three became involved in the company’s operations.

Following Mills’ passing, Margaret and their children released a statement honoring his dedication to the business, employees and community.

They also confirmed that Bob Mills Furniture would continue operating.

The family’s involvement helped preserve the company as a multigenerational enterprise rather than simply a retail business associated with one individual.

How Did Bob Mills Become a Television Personality?

Bob Mills became widely recognizable through television advertising and promotional programs for his furniture stores.

In the 1970s, he hosted the Bob Mills Furniture Country Show, combining entertainment with business promotion.

His appearances helped establish a personal connection with customers throughout Oklahoma.

The company later became associated with television news sponsorships, including weather coverage and helicopter reporting.

These promotional efforts made Mills a familiar face in regional broadcasting, although he was primarily a businessman rather than a conventional television presenter.

His recognizable advertising style remained an important part of the company’s identity.

Bob Mills’ Family and Business Legacy

By 2026, Bob Mills Furniture had expanded to 12 locations across Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas, employing more than 400 people.

The business celebrated its 55th anniversary before its founder’s passing.

His family emphasized that the company would continue operating under the principles he established.

Mills’ entrepreneurial story began with a relatively modest investment from his mother, who believed enough in his ambitions to provide the funding he needed.

Although the identities of Bob Mills’ parents are not extensively documented, his mother’s role in establishing Bob Mills Furniture remains one of the most significant details of his family history. Her $25,000 loan helped create a business that became a recognizable name across three states.