Eli Jerrel Turner was born on June 11, 1951 in San Antonio, Texas to the late Eli Jerrel Turner and Ella Bea Goff Allen. He accepted Christ at Coliseum Baptist Church. Eli received his education in the San Antonio School System attending Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Dorie Miller, Riley and Brackenridge High School. Upon Graduation Eli had the desire to join the United States Army in 1973 – 1985. He retired medically after a job well done.