Robert Leon Mills

Bob lived a remarkable life built on faith, determination, hard work, and a genuine love for people. While many knew him as the familiar face of Bob Mills Furniture, those closest to him knew a man of strong Christian faith, quiet generosity, unwavering principles, and deep devotion to his family.

Born on July 13, 1947, in Roswell, New Mexico, to Rubel “Jim” and Annie L. “Sally” Mills, Bob moved with his family to Oklahoma City at the age of 13. He graduated from Putnam City High School in 1965 and went on to attend Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, where he studied music. A talented saxophone player with a natural ear for music, Bob helped put himself through college playing in what he called a “rock ’n’ roll band.” Although he no longer played regularly in his later years, his love of music and appreciation for musical talent remained with him throughout his life.

In July 1971, at just 23 years old, Bob borrowed $25,000 from his mother and opened his first furniture store in a former grocery building on Southwest 29th Street in Oklahoma City. With eight employees, a dream, and an extraordinary work ethic, he began a journey that would span more than five decades.

What began as a single furniture store grew, through Bob’s vision, determination, and unwavering commitment to his customers, into Bob Mills Furniture. One of the nation’s largest independent furniture retailers, with 12 locations spanning Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. In 2026, the company was ranked 49th on Furniture Today’s list of the Top 100 Furniture Retailers in the nation, a remarkable achievement for a business that began in a converted grocery store. Through decades of television commercials, community involvement, and an unmistakable personal style, Bob became a familiar and trusted face to generations of families.

From the beginning, Bob understood the importance of connecting with people. His early television program, the Bob Mills Furniture Country Show, combined his love of music with his natural ability to communicate. Over the years, his television commercials became a signature part of the business, and his personality helped make Bob Mills Furniture a household name.

But Bob was never one to rest on his accomplishments. He constantly challenged himself and those around him to do better, think bigger, and find new ways to improve. That determination became so much a part of his identity that “Never Be Satisfied” became one of the four core values of Bob Mills Furniture, affectionately known throughout the company as the “Bob Core Value.” It reflected the standard he lived by and the mindset he encouraged in everyone around him.

For Bob, success was not simply about building a business. It was about developing people, creating opportunities, and encouraging others to reach their potential. He was a mentor to countless individuals, sharing his knowledge, offering guidance, and challenging people to become the best versions of themselves.

One of Bob’s most meaningful qualities was his generosity, much of which took place quietly and without recognition. Throughout his life, he helped people facing difficult circumstances, whether through financial assistance, offering a job or a fresh opportunity, or providing guidance and encouragement when someone needed it most. He never sought praise for his acts of kindness. He simply had a genuine desire to help others and believed it was the right thing to do.

Bob’s Christian faith was an important foundation in his life. His belief in God and his commitment to doing what was right helped shape the way he treated others, approached challenges, and gave back to those in need. Much of his generosity was known only to the people whose lives he touched, a reflection of a man who believed that helping others mattered far more than receiving recognition.

Bob was also known for his impeccable sense of style. His tailored suits and colorful pocket squares became part of his signature look, but to him, dressing well was about more than appearance. He believed that looking your best helped you feel your best, and he encouraged others to take pride in how they presented themselves. It was one of the many ways he inspired confidence and encouraged those around him to strive for more.

Despite being a recognizable public figure, Bob was a private man who valued his family deeply. He took tremendous pride in watching his children and grandchildren grow and become part of the family business, something that brought him great joy. Through their shared work, he passed along the values of responsibility, determination, and hard work that had guided him throughout his own life.

Bob believed that opportunities were meant to be earned and that there was always room to grow. He set high expectations for those around him, especially those he loved, because he believed in what they were capable of accomplishing. The lessons he taught extended far beyond business and will continue to shape his family for generations to come.

Throughout his life, Bob was recognized for his contributions to business and the community. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus of Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2001 and was inducted into the Oklahoma City University Meinders School of Business Hall of Honor in 2007. He was a longtime supporter of charitable organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County, which recognized him with its Corporate Champion of Youth award in 2024. Bob was also Chairman of the Board of Directors for IBC Oklahoma.

While his business achievements were extraordinary, Bob’s greatest legacy cannot be measured by the number of stores he opened or the success of the company that carries his name. It lives in the people he helped, the opportunities he created, the values he instilled, and the family he loved.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; their three children, Bryan, Tuesday, and Chris; his beloved grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and extended family.

His passing leaves an enormous void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. Yet his legacy will live on through his family, the Bob Mills Furniture family, and the countless people whose lives are better because he was part of them.

Bob taught us to work hard, believe in people, help others, and always look for ways to be better. Perhaps the greatest tribute we can give him is to continue living by the principle he embodied throughout his life: "Never Be Satisfied."

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Crossings Community Church, 14600 N. Portland Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73134.

The service is open to the public. Family, friends, the Bob Mills Furniture family, and all whose lives were touched by Bob are invited to join in honoring his life and legacy.

A reception will follow immediately after the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bob’s memory to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County.