Rene Rizk

Rene Elias Rizk, 68, of Rosanky, Texas, owner of Bastrop Auto Works, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, April 19, 2024. He was born on May 4, 1955 to Elias and Tamam Rizk in Beirut, Lebanon. Rene was the youngest of 7 children and enjoyed growing up in Beirut. He spoke of what a beautiful place it is, and often described the mountains and the bakeries with all the delicious foods. In 1976, Rene moved to the United States with his mother and they made their home in Houston, Texas.

    Rene married the love of his life, Kathleen Jo Walker on June 7, 1980 and together they built their life in Bastrop, Texas, where they raised their two sons Elias Rene and Benjamin Ryan. Rene worked as a mechanic for 50 years and owned and operated a successful auto repair shop, Bastrop Auto Works, for 30 years. He and his family have attended Bastrop Christian Outreach Center since 1986. In his business as well as in his personal life, Rene never met a stranger and would often drop everything to help someone stranded on the side of the road or locked out of their car. He treated everyone he met like a friend.

Rene loved to paint, play ping pong and tennis, go hunting and fishing, and host family and friends at their home. He was truly happy when he was surrounded by his family. He so enjoyed spending time with his immediate family as well as his siblings, nieces and nephews, and extended family. Elias and Ben remember in their early childhood, traveling to Waco, San Antonio, Houston, and  other locations for ping pong tournaments. They spent numerous weekends together making these lasting memories.

    Rene was a living testimony and great witness for Jesus. He was miraculously protected from being killed on multiple occasions while serving in the Lebanese army and continued to see God work wonders throughout his life. He was gentle and kind and showed God's love to all he met. The impact Rene made on those who knew him and on our community will continue to be felt for years to come. He is greatly missed and will be forever in our hearts.

Rene was preceded in death by his parents, Elias and Tamam Rizk, brothers Henry, Joseph, and Marcel Rizk, Sister Henriette Malek, and brother-in-laws Samir Nazzel and Najib Salem. He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Kathy Rizk, his son and daughter in law, Elias and Tori Rizk, son Benjamin Rizk, grandchildren Carrie, Brody, and Madison Rizk, sisters Josephine Nazzel and Margo Salem, sister in law Kamelia Rizk, and numerous nieces, and nephews.

    Service will be held Friday, April 26 at BCOC Church, 1096 Hwy 71 W. Bastrop, Texas. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:00pm. Service will begin at 1:00 with a graveside service to follow in Rosanky, Texas.

    Rene loved the beatitudes from Matthew 5 and these verses, Matthew 5:7-9 are a wonderful representation of how Rene lived his life.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.