Harrison Ruffin Tyler

1928 - 2025

Harrison Ruffin Tyler

November 9, 1928 - May 25, 2025

Harrison Ruffin Tyler was born on November 9, 1928, to Susan Harrison Ruffin and Dr. Lyon Gardiner Tyler at their home, Lion's Den, in Charles City County, Va., and died peacefully at his home at Westminster Canterbury on May 25, 2025, at 96 years old. Harrison was the last grandchild of the 10th US President, John Tyler.

Harrison was six when his father died and was reared and tutored by his mother with his older brother, Lyon. He graduated from St. Christopher's School in 1945 at the age of 16. He won a scholarship and earned his degree in Chemistry in 1949 from William & Mary. He continued his training and degree in Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech in 1951.

He met his future wife Frances Payne Bouknight of Edgefield, S.C., and they married in 1957 at The Church of Our Savior in Trenton, S.C.

In 1968, with his experience and focus on industrial water treatment, he co-founded ChemTreat, Inc., which became the largest private industrial water treatment company in the US. Both co-owners retired in 2000, selling the business to the employees.

Harrison and Paynie raised their three children in Richmond's fan district. In 1975, they purchased Sherwood Forest, the home of President John Tyler, from family members. In 2005, they created a private foundation to operate and maintain the property.

Harrison invested in property along the James River and in 1996 purchased a tract that had been preserving a Civil War earthen fort at Wilson's Landing. Fort Pocahontas has hosted the 1864 reenacted skirmish known as The Action at Wilson's Wharf for many years.

In 2001, the success of ChemTreat allowed Harrison and Paynie to endow the William & Mary Department of History in honor of his father, Lyon Gardiner Tyler, President of the college from 1888-1919 and to create the Tyler Family Garden, recognizing Judge John Tyler, Sr., President John Tyler, Lyon Gardiner Tyler, and 24 other Tyler family alumni.

Harrison, as he was known by most people, including his grandchildren, spent much of his active years outside: on a piece of road-making machinery, a tennis court, a fishing boat, a duck or turkey blind, in his car checking on his extensive properties, or a lawn chair overlooking the James River at his beloved Lion's Den. He was a member of Kingsmill and The Country Club of Virginia for his weekly tennis until a stroke slowed him down at 85 years old.

He was a past member of the Jamestowne Society, Sons of the Revolution, James River Association, and Princess Anne Hunt.

Harrison is predeceased by his wife, Frances Payne "Paynie" Bouknight Tyler; brother Lyon Gardiner Tyler, Jr.; and survived by children, Julia Gardiner Tyler Samaniego of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., Harrison Ruffin Tyler, Jr., (Cathy) of Alexandria, and William Bouknight Tyler, (Kay) of Richmond; eight grandchildren, David Samaniego (Jasmine), Harrison Samaniego (Madison), Harrison Tyler III, Rice Tyler, Christopher Tyler, Frances Tyler, Lyon Tyler, and Emily Tyler; his niece, Susan Selena Tyler; and many cousins.

Harrison's family is forever grateful for the patient, kind and loving care given to Harrison for so many years by Pearl Johnson, Nancy Gresham, Paula Shaw, and Toni Toliver.

In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to the William & Mary Department of History, James River Association, The Jamestowne Society, Charles City County History Center or Library.

Visitation will be at Bliley's, 3801 Augusta Avenue, on Thursday, June 19th, from 3 to 5 p.m. Graveside memorial service will be on Friday, June 20th, at 11 a.m. at Sherwood Forest, 14501 John Tyler Memorial Hwy, Charles City, Va. 23030.