THE HISTORY OF GILLIAM THOMPSON FURNITURE
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.
