“Success doesn’t happen overnight” is a saying that the Parker family can certainly appreciate. Over the past 60 years, the Parkers have established and developed a thriving furniture manufacturing company where dedication and quality have alway s been at the heart of their business. They have certainly been no strangers to innovation and hard work, creating beautiful hand-made furniture with the finest attention to detail in every piece. Furthermore, they have an integrity about them that is unmatched by any of their competitors. The Parkers take pride not only in their product, but in their customer service as well, treating customers like family since day one. This article journeys through the origin of Temple, describing how they have become a third generation company and the legacy they have built along the way.
WHERE IT ALL STARTED
The First Generation
Temple Furniture was established in the year 1962 by the late Cecil and Mossie Parker. Cecil had a knack for building furniture, and became inspired in his 30s to start his own business. He founded Temple at the age of 39 in the small town of Maiden, North Carolina. Cecil owned and operated Temple Furniture for 43 years with his dear wife, Mossie, by his side every step of the way. They were two of the most personable people you would ever want to meet, setting the precedents early on for Temple’s excellent customer relations. Cecil and Mossie were married for 70 wonderful years before passing within 2 weeks of one another in the year 2011. Their strong work ethic, natural talents, and unconditional love for people helped mold Temple Furniture into the thriving company it is today.
Fun Fact: The name “Temple” originated from an old church, or temple, in the couples’ hometown.
THE ORIGINALS
Some of Temple’s Very First Employees and Styles
This old photo features some of Temple Furniture’s first employees. To the far right, you will find Cecil and Mossie Parker standing (original foun ders). To the far left, you will find Tony Parker in the striped polo (part of the second generation). Diagonal to Tony is his son, Adrian, with his arm across his chest (part of the third generation).
Fun Fact: Temple Furniture now has around 200 employees!
This old photo features some of Temple Furniture’s first employees. To the far right, you will find Cecil and Mossie Parker standing (original foun ders). To the far left, you will find Tony Parker in the striped polo (part of the second generation). Diagonal to Tony is his son, Adrian, with his arm across his chest (part of the third generation).
Fun Fact: Temple Furniture now has around 200 employees!
These furniture photos showcase some of Temple’s original styles that debuted when the company first opened in 1962. As you can see, skirted fur niture was popular back then, along with tufted in-backs. The sofa shown directly to the right looks very similar to some of the mid-century modern styles that are sought after today. This just goes to show that history really does repeat itself.
These furniture photos showcase some of Temple’s original styles that debuted when the company first opened in 1962. As you can see, skirted fur niture was popular back then, along with tufted in-backs. The sofa shown directly to the right looks very similar to some of the mid-century modern styles that are sought after today. This just goes to show that history really does repeat itself.
GROWING THE BUSINESS
The Second Generation
Before establishing Temple Furniture, Cecil and Mossie raised two sons, Gary and Tony Parker, who would later become the second generation owners and operators of the company. Upholding the values instilled in them by their parents, brothers Gary and Tony always took excellent care of their customers and employees alike. The Parkers had a way with people, which was exemplified in their business, earning Temple Furniture its prominent reputation for building lasting relationships. Gary passed away only 5 days after his father, and Tony passed about a year and half later in January of 2013. Today, Temple Furniture proudly maintains many of the relationships and systems of operations established by these two honorable men.
Gary Parker
Gary Parker
Tony Parker
Tony Parker
TIMELESS CLASSICS
Styles That Have Stood the Test of Time
Trends have always come and gone, but some styles seem to just coast through time, untouched by the ever-changing current. Temple’s Carmel chair and Yorktown sofa series were both introduced in 1962, and are still just as popular to day as they were then.
Fun Fact: Tony and his sweet wife, Gail, once found an original Temple Carmel chair while antique shopping.
Trends have always come and gone, but some styles seem to just coast through time, untouched by the ever-changing current. Temple’s Carmel chair and Yorktown sofa series were both introduced in 1962, and are still just as popular to day as they were then.
Fun Fact: Tony and his sweet wife, Gail, once found an original Temple Carmel chair while antique shopping.
The Carmel Chair
The Yorktown Series
WHERE WE ARE NOW
The Third Generation
Gary Parker and his wife, Peggy, had two daughters, Sarah and Rebecca. Tony Parker and his wife, Gail, had three children: twins Adr ian and Angie, and Kim. Rebecca, Adrian, Angie and Kim all form the third generation of Temple Furniture owners and operators. Just like their parents and grandparents, these four are each special in their own way, bringing their individual talents to the Temple table. Adrian is innovative and artistic, with an eye for detail and a talent for craftsmanship. Apart from being the CEO of Temple Furniture, Adrian helps design and build new pieces. Rebecca and Angie have a knack for interior decorating and fabric trends, so they help design each market showroom. Kim is Temple’s Marketing Director, so she has a hand in many areas of the company, maintaining customer relations and coming up with new styles for each market. The Parkers make a great team, and do an excellent job of upholding and improving Temple’s 60-year legacy.
Shown above (left to right): Rebecca Parker, Angie Wright, Kim McRee and Adrian Parker
•FROM THE FAMILY•
This 60-year journey has been such a blessing to the Parkers. They have enjoyed building fu rniture, growing their business, and most of all, forming relationships with coworkers and customers over the years. The Parker family cherishes each individual who has contributed to the growth and success of Temple Furniture. From the bottom of their hearts, THANK YOU and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TEMPLE!