Obituaries
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, February 3, 2008
Wanda Ridge Dobbins, showroom manager
High Point — Wanda Ridge Dobbins, showroom manager for high-end furniture producers Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth and Directional Furniture for more than 30 years, has died.
Dobbins started in administration and customer service with the old Tomlinson factory at Market Square. She became director of customer service and was promoted to showroom manager in 1983, when the building was converted into showrooms. She serviced accounts across the country, and she worked until her death.
Dobbins pioneered the concept of the High Point Showroom Assn., which serves the design trade year-round. The 22-year-old organization now includes more than 60 showrooms.
"From my standpoint, she was 'Ms. Tomlinson'," said Rod Lambeth, president and owner of Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth. "She was a rock. The Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth family will truly miss her. Her contributions to our success are infinite."
Dobbins was preceded in death by her husband, parents and a brother. She is survived by two daughters, a sister, a brother and seven grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Living Proof Ministries, P.O. Box 840849, Houston, Texas 77284, or to LoveLine of High Point Regional Health System, Development Office, P.O. Box HP-5, High Point, N.C. 27261.
A guest book has been set up in her name at www.mem.com.
Phillip J. Statton, CEO, Statton Furniture Mfg.
Hagerstown, Md. — Philip J. Statton, CEO and chairman of the board of case goods producer Statton Furniture Mfg. here, has died of a heart attack. He was 63.
Statton, grandson of founder Philo Statton, joined the company as a salesman in 1972. He became vice president-production in 1978, succeeded his father as president in 1987 and assumed the position of CEO and chairman in early 2006.
During his career, Statton Furniture rose to prominence as a producer of high-end, solid-cherry case goods in traditional styling. Statton served on the board of AFMA early in his career and was active in the industry.
His cousin, Hunt Hardinge, is president of the company; his brother David is a sales rep for the South; and his brother Tommy is involved in the company part-time. All three are on the board of directors.
Statton is also survived by his wife, three daughters, a sister and 12 grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to San Mar Children's Home Inc., 8504 Mapleville Road, Boonsboro, MD 21713.
William Thomas Tucker, lighting designer
Charlotte — Lighting designer William Thomas "Tom" Tucker died Jan. 20 while in Zhangshan, China, on a business trip to prepare for the spring High Point Market. He was 55.
Tucker was well known in the industry for his unique lighting designs. In the mid-1980s, he operated a shop, Five Points, in Raleigh, N.C. Since then he has traveled internationally, working with various furniture manufacturers, including Ardley Hall.
Tucker is survived by his wife, his mother, his sister and her husband.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, Tenn. 38105, or to a charity of one's choice.
Market Square getting makeover
09/27/2009Market Square
10/13/2004Market Square
10/02/2004
