Carlton Joseph Land

Carlton Joseph Land, 78 of Melbourne, FL, passed away Friday, January 24, 2025 at his home.

A funeral service will be held at 1pm Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Fair Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Stoneville Municipal Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7pm Friday, February 7, 2025 at Fair Funeral Home.

Carlton was born January 7, 1947 in Rockingham County, North Carolina, to the late Caleb Joseph Land and Edna Balser Land. He received his Masters Degree from the Florida Institute of Technology. Carlton worked as an electrical engineer for L3/Harris Corporation until his retirement.

During an interview while working as the Scientist on Staff to the Parts and Processes Engineering Manager in Specialty Engineering Dept, Space and Airborne Systems in Palm Bay Florida, Carlton “CJ” said the following when asked about his proudest moment as an L3/Harris employee:

 “There are many proudest moments. Being a contributor for the procurement of Hi-Rel parts on numerous critical national space programs starting with the Apollo communication equipment we supplied for both the Lunar Orbiter and the Lunar Lander, the Main Computer/Data Processor on the Defense Support Program which was the original Early Warning satellite in geostationary orbit where over 10- 15 yrs we delivered electronics for 18 satellites. We supplied the Fiber Optic Audio-Video system for the Space Shuttle. When you see the astronauts floating around it’s coming over our system. The Guidance Processor Electronics we supplied for the Anti-Satellite Missile Payload that was built using Custom Designed Silicon-on-Sapphire Radiation Hardened ASICs where the data from the payload optical sensor was analyzed by our ASICs and used to guide the payload to the targeted satellite. The fine guidance electronics that let the Hubble Telescope lock onto a star or nebula and over extended amount of staring time to capture unbelievable images of our universe.”

When asked about his hobbies and time outside of work, Carlton replied, “I have two show cars, one is the 1965 LeMans Convertible, and the other is an original 1971 Datsun240Z sports coupe that I bought new from the factory. Both cars have won multiple trophies in judged car shows. I also like camping, tennis, and traveling. In November 2019 I toured Egypt and actually spent time in the Kings Chamber in the great pyramid.”

His nephew, brother, and cousins reflected on Carlton with the following:

Carlton pretty much kept to himself. Even though we would talk fairly often, it usually revolved around family and basic stuff. He was laser focused on the family history. When he took on a project, the engineer in him would come out and it was planned down to the smallest detail. He enjoyed his work. He enjoyed painting when he was younger. He enjoyed cruises, especially the ones that had trips to the Inca pyramids.

“Carlton was my uncle, my best friend, and my strength. He was the foundation of our family. He was my mentor, confidant, and the one person I could always count on. He showed me the meaning of family and grace. And now….. the student became the teacher. He loved his work, archeology, astrology/astronomy. He engineered classified items for the military at L3/Harris. He was extremely loyal to those he loved, and expected the same. He was a huge fan of “Laugh in” by Rowan and Martin and would end the phone calls with close ones with a simple line from the show, “Goodnight Gladys.” He lived a private yet rewarding life."

Carlton is survived by his nephew, Patrick Land, and his brother Donald Land.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com.