The Martinsville Bulletin (http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com) reported that, "Robert H. “Bob” Spilman, the retired president, chairman and CEO of Bassett Furniture Industries, died Sunday night in Richmond."
Mr. Spilman was one of a select group furniture men and women inducted into the American Furniture Hall of Fame. According to the American Furniture Hall of fame (www.afhf.org), he was a graduate of Augusta Military Academy, attended Davidson College, and later received a BS from NC State.
He began his career at Cannon Mills before joining Bassett. His sales organization was powerful, his product exceptional, and he worked with all the major retailers. He rose rapidly within Bassett, becoming president in the early 70’s, and remaining at the helm into the 1990’s.
Mr. Spilman led one of the industry’s most successful and profitable businesses for decades in a period of dramatic change, including the growth of warehouse showrooms, captive distribution, imports, and other issues. Under his guidance, Bassett became a full line manufacturer by adding recliners and motion, home office, bedding, and a highly regarded line of youth and infant furniture.
Bob Spilman and his company received many business awards: Wall Street Transcript No. 1 Award of Furniture Industry, 1981, 1982, 1992, Man of the Year Award, Home Furnishings Association of Delaware Valley, 1982, James T. Ryan Award Statesman of Commerce, 1983, Hecht Ford Chamber of Commerce Award, Martinsville, Henry County 1995.