If you ever met Cliff Taylor, you knew immediately you were talking to an athlete. I'm sure even at Southside High
School he had that strong chiseled athletic body. As track and football stars at South Side, Cliff and his brother Ed both
signed with Memphis State University and starred in both track and football, making them two of the fastest brothers
ever to play for the Tigers.

In his freshman year, Cliff was sidelined with a knee injury, but he went on to letter in football his sophomore, junior
and senior years. During his senior year in 1973, he led the team in touchdowns and was named M-Club Athlete of the
Year, a tribute to his overall athletic prowess. Cliff was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round as a running
back and was used primarily as a kick returner by the Bears and later with the Green Bay Packers. A second knee injury
ended his brief NFL career and he returned to Memphis.

On Tuesday, March 23rd, Cliff passed away at the age of 57. He had been battling prostate cancer. He is survived by
his wife of 13 years, Jerri Taylor; his mother, Mahala Taylor; daughter, Vonia McChiston; son, Clifton III; brothers,
Melvin and Ed; and four grandchildren.

After his NFL career was over, he chose to make car sales his occupation and he held various executive sales positions
with some of the local dealerships. He was most recently employed by Infiniti of Memphis. With his return to Memphis,
he became an ardent racquetball player. As with everything he did, Cliff did it well and became an exceptional
racquetball player.

Many friends, family, teammates, associates and customers will remember Cliff as the guy who was always smiling. If
you have a million dollar smile, why waste it and Cliff didn't. It was difficult to catch him in a moment that he wasn't
smiling and upbeat.

Some may forget that Cliff was a great athlete. Some may forget that he sold them a car. Some may forget that he
gave them a reassuring shoulder in a particularly challenging moment, but anyone who knew Cliff will never forget
what a gentleman he was.

May the memories of a life well lived comfort all of us who knew Cliff and may God give his family the strength to face
this difficult time.

Our prayers and thoughts are with them.

Ike Martin