Eric H. Talley Sr.

Eric Hugh Talley Sr., Age 72, of Romulus, MI passed away May 29, 2019.

Deacon Eric Talley, Sr. was born November 24th, 1946 in Inkster, MI. He was born to biological father Isaiah Talley and Dorcas Marshall.

Eric, lovingly known by his wife, extended family and friends as “Talley”, lost his father, Isaiah Talley, at a young age. His mother Dorcas, then met and fell in love with his devoted stepfather, Cleophas A. Gooden Sr. Talley was blessed to have seven siblings (John Marshall Sr, Sardis Marshall (deceased), Richard Talley, Leroy H. Talley (deceased), Robert Talley (deceased), Cleophas A. Gooden Jr, and Daryl Gooden (deceased)). Talley went to school at Romulus High School. He was drafted into the army at 18 and received his GED during his years of service. He also studied Culinary Arts at Chadsey cooking school because he loved to cook; he was very appreciated whenever he cooked his “world famous” ribs.

Talley found the love of his life in Rita K. Stafford, whom he married on December 2nd, 1967, spending 51 wonderful and loving years together. They were blessed with five beautiful children - Tina, Eric Jr, Eboni, Chris, and Leroy. Talley was affectionately known by a few other nicknames such as “Uncle Talley”, “Big Tal”, “Big Country” and to some nieces and nephews “Uncle Talley Talley”.

Talley worked diligently to provide for his family. He were several years at the County Hospital before receiving his Commercial Drivers License (CDL) in 1978. He then began his career as a truck driver, journeying across the country, heightening his knowledge of travel which quickly led to him being the first person his family and friends would ask for directions. After driving more than 25 years, Talley decided to park the truck for the last time and retire.

Talley loved fishing and actively engaged and spoke about it until his death. He was a popular softball player known for hitting home runs because he said, “I ain’t running no bases.” He preferred to take his victory lap to home base with ease and grandeur. Chess, dominoes, spades, and horseshoes were other hobbies he enjoyed and mastered with dynamic skill. Talley was a faithful member, deacon and choir member at First Baptist Church of Romulus. Deacon Talley was also responsible for the church’s Family Fun Night, which he facilitated for several years and then passed over to his youngest son Leroy prior to his death.

Talley was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 at 4pm. He survived by his wife Rev. Rita K. Talley; his five children Tina, Eric Jr, Eboni (Kib), Chris (Monique) and Leroy; five grandchildren James, Leandre, Krystian, Micah and Nariah; three brothers John (Kate), Richard (Mable) and Cleophas; and a host of nieces and nephews.