Ever since 1892 when John Willis, Jr. opened his first furniture store on Church Street, opposite St. Paul's church in downtown Norfolk, the Willis family has been a mainstay in furniture retailing in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. The company made various moves from its original site until 1950 when Willis Wayside Furniture Company purchased property on Virginia Beach Boulevard and Thalia Drive where it remains today. Over a century of measured expansion has brought the company to its present location, nestled in the pines at the heart of Virginia Beach.

In a time when stores change owners and image regularly, Willis Furniture stands as an example of unswerving dedication to its heritage and to the customers it serves. With ownership spanning four generations, it is a true family business. John Willis, Jr. was joined by his three sons: Ben in 1910, John III in 1920, and Grayson in 1923. Grandson Ben Jr. came aboard in 1953 followed by Great-Grandson Ben III in 1985.

From its modest Norfolk beginnings, the Willis family's uncompromising dedication to quality, customer service and satisfaction have so impressed the public, that today it is the standard by which other local furniture stores are compared.

Ben Willis III continues to carry on his family traditions with an emphasis on quality items offered at guaranteed low prices.