Norman B. Harty, son of the late Walter and Nellie Harty, was born in Puxico, Mo. and died at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. on Aug. 3, 2017, at the age of 81.

A well known local businessman, Mr. Harty owned N.B. Harty Contractors and a total of 10 branches of First Commercial Bank across southeast Missouri. Through his contracting industry, he conducted business on an international scale.

Norman graduated from Puxico High School in 1954 and later attended Southeast Missouri State University and Williams Baptist College, eventually earning a degree from Arkansas University.

On Jan. 22, 1966, he married Billie Lemons. After 47 years of marriage and a business partnership, she preceded him in death on June 21, 2013. Mr. Harty continued the Dexter-based business operations until his death.

Mr. Harty proudly served in the U.S. Army. He attended the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Dexter.

Norman and Billie never forgot their hometown roots, generously contributing to numerous local charities and organizations and other entities over the years.

He will be dearly remembered for his deep Christian faith and his generous community spirit.

Along with his parents and his wife, Billie, he was preceded in death by one brother, John Harty.

He is survived by one sister-in-law, Bonnie Harty; two nephews, John Harty and Jim Harty; a step-daughter, Sue Hisaw; and one step-grandson, Christopher Wilkerson.

Visitation for Norman B. Harty will take place Monday, August 7, 2017 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Dexter's First Baptist Church at 11 W. Castor St., with funeral services following at 11 a.m.

Officiating will be Rev. Howard Fuller. Burial will take place in Dexter Cemetery.

Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.

The family suggests any memorials may be made to Williams Baptist College, 60 W. Fulbright Ave., Walnut Ridge, Ark. 72476 or to the SoutheastHEALTH Building Fund, 1200 N. One Mile Rd., Dexter, MO 63841.