Furniture Industry Legend O. William Fenn Jr. Dies at 99

Longtime executive served as senior VP at Thomasville, president and CEO of Stanley and LADD Furniture

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:20am

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished wooden desk with a vintage telephone, a leather-bound book, and a small American flag, conceptually representing the career, military service, and community commitment of furniture industry legend O. William Fenn Jr.A refined studio still life pays tribute to the life and legacy of furniture industry titan O. William Fenn Jr.Today in Raleigh

O. William (Bill) Fenn Jr., a furniture industry legend, community leader, philanthropist, and World War II and Korean War veteran, passed away at age 99 after a long illness. Fenn had a storied 40-year career, rising to senior leadership roles at Thomasville Furniture, Stanley Furniture, and LADD Furniture, and was inducted into the American Furniture Hall of Fame in 2007.

Why it matters

Fenn was a towering figure in the furniture industry, known for his business acumen, community service, and patriotism. His passing marks the end of an era for the furniture business in North Carolina, where he left a lasting legacy through his leadership and philanthropic efforts.

The details

Fenn began his career at Armstrong Cork Company and was called back to the Army during the Korean War, where he served as a captain. He later joined Thomasville Furniture as a senior vice president and general sales manager, then became president and CEO of Stanley Furniture and co-founded LADD Furniture, where he served as president, CEO, and director of marketing. After retiring in 1993, he held leadership roles with the North Carolina Furniture Export Office and the North Carolina Department of Commerce Trade Division.

  • Fenn was born on March 13, 1927 in Sherman, Texas.
  • He enlisted in the U.S. Army upon graduating high school and was sent to Yale University to learn Japanese.
  • Fenn was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant and served on General MacArthur's staff in Japan after World War II.
  • He returned to Yale, graduating in 1949 with a degree in Applied Economics.
  • Fenn passed away on March 31, 2026 at the age of 99.

The players

O. William (Bill) Fenn Jr.

A furniture industry legend, community leader, philanthropist, and World War II and Korean War veteran who had a storied 40-year career in the furniture business, rising to senior leadership roles at Thomasville Furniture, Stanley Furniture, and LADD Furniture.

James Hunt

The Governor of North Carolina who awarded Fenn the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 1995, the state's highest civilian honor, for his service to the furniture industry and the state.

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What’s next

A memorial service for Fenn will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in High Point, North Carolina on April 13, 2026, followed by a reception at the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame.

The takeaway

Fenn's passing marks the end of an era for the furniture industry in North Carolina, where he left an indelible mark through his business leadership, community service, and patriotism. His life and career serve as an inspiration for future generations of furniture industry executives.