Carol Robert "C.R." Lait

On Tuesday, July 19, 2022, Carol Robert (C.R.) Lait passed away at the age of 83. A true Southern Gentleman, Carol was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and was a resident of Fort Pierce, Florida, since 1961.

He was an optician and a master of his craft, having made eyeglasses for innumerable residents of Fort Pierce and the surrounding areas for over 40 years, before he retired. He also served the City of Fort Pierce as a City Commissioner. Carol loved spending time with his family, boating, fishing, and hunting.

Carol was a member of the Professional Opticians of Florida, where he received the Leadership Award (1984-86), and served as President (1990-91) and on the Board of Directors (1995-97). He was a City of Fort Pierce Commissioner from 1969-1973. He served on the Board of Directors for the City of Fort Pierce Recreation Board (1970-73), Fire Service and Firefighters Board (1969-73), and City of Fort Pierce Retirement Board (1971-73). He was a member of the Fort Pierce Jaycees and the Fort Pierce Lions Club. And for over 35 years, he was a member of The Pelican Yacht Club. Carol leaves behind a legacy of family, friendship, and community.

Carol is survived by his devoted wife, Clara Lait; daughter Carole Jean Lait; daughter Linda Wald (husband Warren Wald); stepson Dr. William Crook; step daughter-in-law Amy Crook; stepdaughter Dr. Deborah Carlstrom (husband Charles A. Carlstrom, III); stepson Lawrence Earley (wife Ellen Earley); sister Bonnie Day; and eleven grandchildren (Cade, Carter, Cole and Carlisle Crook; Christopher and Jacob Crook; Shelby Carlstrom; Hannah and Lane Earley; Tyler and Madison Wald). Carol is preceded in death by his wife Barry Padrick Lait and his stepson Barry Alexander Crook.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 9AM to 10AM with a service to begin at 10AM at Haisley Funeral Home Fort Pierce, FL 34947. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.