Charles C. Griffith; 87; of Speer Street; Belle Vernon; died Wednesday; Oct. 2; 2002; in Mon Valley Hospital. A son of the late Zade and Rhetta Rush Griffith; he was born in Pine Bank on June 17; 1915. Mr. Griffith was a member of First United Methodist Church of Belle Vernon; the Mon Valley Dartball League; the Belle Vernon Lions Club; the Peoples Gas Breakfast Club and enjoyed league bowling. Formerly of Brave; he had resided in Belle Vernon since 1959. Mr. Griffith retired in 1977 after 37 years with the former Peoples Gas Company and was a combat engineer in the U.S. Army during World War II. He received a Purple Heart for injuries received and five other medals. Survivors include his wife of 53 years; Betty Shultz Griffith; two daughters and sons-in-law; Charlene and Jack Backo of Belle Vernon; and Diane and Mark Rade of Perryopolis; one stepson and daughter-in-law; Jack and Joyetta Hoy of Waynesburg; five grandchildren and their spouses; Murray and Debbie Hoy of Waynesburg; Suzzette and John Fitzgerald of Frederick; Md.; Scott and Kristen Backo of Upper St. Clair; Brian and Gina Backo of Munhall; and Jennifer Rade of Perryopolis; five great-grandchildren; Courtney and Karlie Hoy; Brady and Patrick Fitzgerald; and Ryan Backo; and one sister-in-law; Regina Griffith of Michigan. In addition to his parents; Mr. Griffith was preceded in death by one sister; Henrietta Griffith; and one brother; John Griffith. Friends will be received Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME INC.; a Golden Rule Member Firm; 700 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon. Funeral services will be held Saturday; Oct. 5; at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Tim McConville officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Members of the Belle Vernon Lions Club will meet Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home to hold services.