Bob Sligh, 84, Dies

May 23, 2012  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Obituaries on May 24, 2012

Robert Lewis "Bob" Sligh, industry leader and president of Sligh Furniture Co. from 1968 until 1990 died Monday May 21. He was 84.

Born in Grand Rapids, Mich., Sligh grew up in the furniture business working at both Sligh Furniture Co. and Baker Furniture plants as a teenager. He earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Michigan in 1950 with a major in wood technology, followed by a year of post-graduate work.

Sligh served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force before joining Sligh in 1954. By 1957, he assumed chief

operating responsibility for Sligh, and led the company until his retirement in 1993.

Sligh was chairman and board member of the Kendall School of Art and Design; resident and board member of the National Association of Furniture Manufacturers; president and board member of the Grand Rapids Furniture Manufacturers Association; chairman and board member of the Greater Holland United Way; and board member for the Holland Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to his significant contributions to the furniture industry, Sligh was the men's U.S. National Water Ski Champion in 1947, and runner up the following year. He also won the prestigious Great Lakes Ensign Class sailing championship five times between 1974 and 1982.

Sligh is survived by his wife, Lois Sligh, three children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Son, Rob Sligh, is the current president of Sligh Furniture Co., a division of Lexington Home Brands.  

Those wishing to sign the Robert Sligh guest book may do so online.