Bill Hartley and his wife Billie stand at the altar of Tyler's Masonic lodge to receive the "Builder of the Year" award in this 2011 file photo. (Tyler Morning Telegraph/File photo)

Every once in a while something special happens.

Fortunately for Tyler that was represented in the citizenship of Bill Hartley. Hartley’s long association with Southside Bank came to represent a brand of belonging that attracted many customers.

When the bank was founded, some urban legends suggest it was capitalized by the pension funds of the three powerhouse downtown banks. An irony of that story is Southside was the only one of the four to survive the brutal economic downturn experienced here in the 1980s. That survival was clearly a testament to the leadership of Hartley.

During his tenure the bank demonstrated a tireless advocacy for the community. The boards of nonprofits across the community benefited from Hartley’s leadership and service. And if it was not his own service he deployed legions of lieutenants for the betterment of the community. That same disposition for service was usually paired with the financial support of the bank.

It would be hard to find any important project in this town during his tenure without recalling his involvement.

Hartley cultivated many leaders and when bankers lost jobs due to corporate downsizing or closure many ended up in the Southside fold.

In addition to what was easy to see of the good work he enabled there is likely much unseen as well.

His commitment to his family life was exemplary. He was a devoted husband and father, traits easily seen in his actions over the years.

Pastor Doug Baker in his eulogy suggested that Hartley shared his influence to strengthen us and that a great leader has been sent to heaven.

The ripple effects of Hartley’s devotion to his community likely will be felt for generations to come.

Tyler is a better place as a result of its outstanding citizen Bill Hartley.