A North Carolina icon: How Bob Timberlake, a nice guy from Lexington, became a global phenomenon.

• Author: Roush, Chris

A May 1965 article in Life magazine about famed artist Andrew Wyeth turned Bob Timberlake from the manager of his family's gas business and other interests into a world-famous artist and furniture designer.

After reading the article and being impressed with Wyeth's style, Timberlake met the subject of a Wyeth painting called "The Children's Doctor" at an art show. (Dr. Margaret Handy had treated Wyeth's children.) Timberlake had begun painting in the basement after his kids went to bed, but he didn't know how to channel his passion. So in February 1969, he called Dr. Handy, who told him to call "Andy."

Nervously, Timberlake dialed, and Wyeth answered. After a short explanation, the famous painter replied, "Well, when can you be up here?"

That weekend, Timberlake drove to Wyeth's studio in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, and showed his paintings. One was called "The Old Feezor Place," an acrylic painting that Timberlake still possesses. "He looked at mine and said, 'You've obviously got a wonderful talent. You ought to figure out a way to do it.'"

Nearly six decades later, Timberlake s work is globally renowned. Based in his hometown of Lexington, his paintings have sold out exhibits around the world, selling for millions, and his Lexington Furniture "World of Bob Timberlake" line has sold an estimated $2.2 billion, an industry record. He's licensed designs for everything from rugs and lamps to ceramic tile, doors, floors, fixture lighting, roofing, windows, hardware, paint and stain, bringing in millions more.

His books, mainly depicting his art but also a 1999 memoir, are best-sellers. Collectors search for his paintings, tables and chairs at garage sales, hoping to strike it rich by owning an original from a man who looks like the quintessential grandfather, having never said an unkind word, according to one of his granddaughters.

"He is just a singular personality," says Jerry Epperson, managing director of the Richmond, Virginia-based Mann, Armistead & Epperson and a notable industry analyst. "He's warm. You can't help but love him. I wish there were more Bob Timberlakes in my life."

At his Lexington gallery, open Wednesday through Sunday, several thousand shoppers visit each week, perusing Timberlake prints and originals while their creator walks the floor, unnoticed by many of those milling around. A drawing of a kitchen stove is listed for $ 1,150. A six-pack of Timberlake note cards goes for $11.95. A cherry coffee table costs $299 while his monthly doodle sheets that show his creative mind at work fetch $995. A sunflower throw pillow is listed at $29. Canoes hang from the ceiling.

Timberlake, whose glasses hang around his neck, apologizes to guests in the gallery noting that the past weekend...