Larry Quilling

Larry Quilling

Larry Quilling was born September 18, 1937 in Lima, Ohio to Thelma and Orville Quilling. The first born of four children. The family moved to Muncie, Indiana in 1945 where he graduated from Daleville High School. A small school with 24 students in his senior class. In 1956 he attended Indiana University for two years. As a member of the Army ROTC, he joined the active Army for a 6-month tour at Fort Leonard Wood MO. He returned to Muncie two years later and graduated for Ball State University with a BS degree in business and marketing.

He married Brenda Nelson, they had two children, Polly and Page. Three weeks after graduation he was recalled into the Army for a two- year post at Fort Rucker Rotary Air Headquarters in Ozark Alabama where he was trained as an arial photographer.

He began working in the furniture industry in 1965 as a traveling salesman in the state of Indiana. He represented Stanley, Stiffel Lamps, Garrett Mirror Supports and Western Stickley. Several years later he was given the opportunity to move to Northern California, where he became a partner in the California Furniture Guild. A furniture buying group originated by Arthur Fink. They remained partners for over 40 years. In the late 1970's the company formed GuildCraft of California, an upholstered furniture manufacturing company. In addition to becoming one of the largest west coast manufacturing plants, GuildCraft created the gallery concept of displaying fully furnished rooms for their retailers in 11 Western States. The company was sold to Fairmont in 2010. Larry stayed active by consulting with major retailers and manufacturers, domestic and foreign.

In 1978 Larry met and later married the love of his life, Donna. Together they enjoyed family, friends, travel and golf. Larry was an avid golfer and a long-time member of Bel Air Country Club in Los Angeles and Tradition Golf Club in La Quinta, CA. He loved the competitive aspects of golf and spent many hours on the grass and playing Gin Rummy with his depraved buddies.

Larry is survived by his wife Donna, daughter Polly (Wade), son Page (Simone), brother Orv (Judy), sister Jill and four grandchildren, Casey (Kimberly), Amanda (Madison), Carly and Cassidy.