Russell L. Taylor was a native of Tallassee and attended Wetumpka High School and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1933, where he was a teammate with Paul "Bear" Bryant.

Arriving at Enterprise in 1934, Coach Taylor was faced with the awesome responsibility of coaching all sports, including football, track, baseball, and basketball during his years at Enterprise from 1934 until 1951.

Six of his basketball teams competed in the state tournament and Coach Taylor became the first Enterprise football coach to win 100 games, compiling a record of 102-42-10, including two undefeated seasons in 1935 and 1945.

In 1952 Coach Taylor moved over to Dothan High School where he coached track, baseball, and basketball. His 1954 football team appeared in the post-season Peanut Bowl and six of his seven basketball teams competed in the state tournament. The 1953 basketball squad was runner-up and the 1954 squad won the state championship.

He was also the Dothan head football coach from 1952-1955.

His dedication to creating sound athletic programs and better athletic facilities, Coach Taylor established the first lighted football field and indoor basketball gymnasium in the Enterprise area.

Taylor was inducted into the 2003 Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the Wiregrass Hall of Fame. Although he died in 1977, his memory is honored each year through the awarding of the Russell Taylor Memorial Trophy to the winner of the Dothan-Enterprise football game.