Eli Taylor, Sr., was born to the union of Willie B. Taylor and Juanita (Williams) Taylor on April 18, 1942 in Macon, Mississippi. He was the second boy born as a twin. Eli was preceded by his parents, twin brother, three sisters, and one brother. He confessed Jesus to be his Lord and Savior at an early age. Eli attended school in Macon, Mississippi and Greenwood, Mississippi. He graduated with the class of 1962.

In 1963, Eli married Mattie B. (Smith) Taylor and moved to St. Louis, Missouri. To this union four children were born Curly D. Taylor, Sr., Eli Taylor, Jr., (who preceded him in death), Yolander R. Taylor, and Tony L. Taylor. Mattie also preceded him in death. He worked for Coca Cola in the Syrup Plant until the plant transferred to another location. Eli continued to work for Wellston School District, Wagner Brake, and held various other jobs until he retired.

Eli was a loving and caring father, grandfather, brother, and friend. God called upon Eli on Tuesday, August 10, 2021. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

Eli leaves to cherish his memory his three children: Curly D. Taylor, Sr.(Kimberly Ann), Yolander R. Taylor, Tony L. Taylor, and Eli Taylor, Jr. (who preceded him in death), seven grandchildren: Molajuwon D. DeShay, Marneisha J. DeShay, Kia A. Taylor, Kurly D. Taylor, Jr., Jason T. Taylor, Robert T. Watson, Jr., Tkai L. Taylor, and Jordan L. Davis (who preceded him in death); eight great-grandchildren, two sisters: Dorothy Jackson and Ella (Willie) Pippens, three sisters-in-law: Inell Blake of Chicago, Illinois, Mae Pearl Reed, and Blanche Taylor; a good friend, Jeanette Hayes, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.