TUPELO, Miss. — Furniture industry veteran Michael Ruff Thomas, 73, passed away at his home May 14.
A graduate of Tupelo High School, Thomas earned the rank of Eagle Scoutt and went on to attend Tulane University in New Orleans, later earning his MBA in accounting from Mississippi State University.
A pioneer in the furniture industry, and more specifically in the development of promotional furniture, Thomas and his business partner and lifelong friend, Jim Wiygul, established Independent Furniture Supply in 1979. As a team they grew the business into one of the largest and most reputable foam companies in the nation. Later, Thomas served as CEO for American Furniture from 2004 until he retired in 2011.
In addition, he invested much time and effort into Big Oaks Farm LLC, developing residential and commercial properties.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Dr. and Mrs. PK Thomas Jr., and brother, Perry King Thomas III. Thomas is survived by his wife of 44 years, Daintry Richmond Thomas; three children; six grandchildren; his brother and sister; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church’s Columbarium Fund, 400 West Jefferson St., Tupelo, Miss. 38804; Sanctuary Hospice House, PO Box 2177, Tupelo, Miss. 38803; or the Tupelo Lee Humane Society, P. O. Box 2143, Tupelo, Miss. 38803.
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July 25, 2022 at 08:11PM
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Former American Furniture CEO, Mike Thomas, dies at 73 - Furniture Today
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