Gilliam Thompson Furniture was founded in 1959 by the late Gilliam Thompson. Mr. Thompson was a door-to-door salesman who sold liniments, flavorings, food and other miscellaneous products for Watkins Products in western Kentucky. In 1954, Mr. Thompson worked as a sales clerk selling dairy and lawn equipment at the local Eatons store in Mayfield. At the age of 36, Mr. Thompson decided to utilize his sales experience in his own business selling groceries and home furnishings in Fancy Farm, Kentucky. The grocery business was phased out in 1964, and the furniture store was moved into the former Merritt Hardware store adjacent to the court square in Mayfield. The business began to flourish, and by 1976 the need for more space was obvious. Mr. Thompson then decided to build a new 12,000 square foot facility at the present location just north of the Purchase Parkway on 121 in Mayfield.

A native of Carlisle County, Kentucky, Gilliam Thompson had married Mary Hilda Hayden in 1942. From the beginning, they knew that theirs would be a "family" oriented business, and over the years many of their children and relatives have contributed to the furniture store in different ways. Gilliam and Mary Hilda had 8 children - Leon, David, Wanda, Janet, Phil, Mary Ann, Steve and Allen. Like many of his brothers and sisters, a young Phil Thompson worked at the family store setting up furniture and delivering merchandise. After earning his business degree from Murray State University, Phil became a co-owner, along with his mother and long-time loyal employee Dennis Burgess. Gilliam Thompson retired from the business due to ill health and died on December 31, 1984, at the age of 61.

The family tradition of friendly hometown service has continued, and today, several members of the Thompson family work at the successful furniture business. Sandra (Thompson) Thomas has worked at the store for over 20 years and keeps the entire operation running smoothly. Phil proudly points to Sandra and his two sons, Jarrod and Jordan, as the third generation of Thompsons to work in the business that their grandfather started. With the emphasis on family, don't be surprised if you see the fourth generation-- Gilliam's great grandchildren-- hanging out in the office area. Dennis Burgess and his brothers also work to continue the tradition of family.

Phil Thompson believes that his father would be proud of the changes and growth he has engineered in the business since taking over the helm in 1977. In the 1980's he decided to build and furnish the beautifully accessorized Bassett Gallery, winning the prestigious Rookie Gallery of the Year award from Bassett Furniture Company. The store now consists of 30,000 square feet of fine furniture to suit anyone's style. In 1999, the Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce chose Gilliam Thompson Furniture as the Outstanding Business of the Year. As a surprised and grateful Phil Thompson accepted the award on behalf of the family, friends and customers of Gilliam Thompson Furniture, he privately reflected on the enduring lessons his father had taught him about working hard to serve his customers.

Gilliam Thompson Furniture has established and maintained an outstanding reputation over the years for not only offering beautiful quality merchandise at affordable prices along with friendly service, but for emitting the genuine feeling of "family" as only a real family-run business can sustain. They invite you to come visit them and hope that you choose to join the many satisfied and loyal customers of Gilliam Thompson Furniture.

2239 State Route 121 N

Mayfield, Kentucky 42066
(270)247-6620

www.furnoodle.com/GilliamThompson