Cancer-Stricken Teacher in Viral Video Shared by Tim McGraw has Passed

Just under a week ago, Tim McGraw shared an amazing viral video of a teacher battling cancer being serenaded with a worship song by more than 400 students from his school. Ben Ellis, a Latin and Bible Studies teacher at Nashville’s Christian Presbyterian Academy, had just decided to forego further treatments when the students and faculty arrived at his home.

“A friend sent this to me today. Ben Ellis is a Nashville area high school teacher battling cancer. The entire student body (400+ students plus HS faculty) drove to his house to worship with him. Our thoughts and Prayers are with him and his family….. So precious and kind,” said McGraw in the post that has over 30 million views.

Today, McGraw informed his many followers that Mr. Ellis had succumbed to his disease.

“Mr. Ben Ellis has passed away ……. The example of love and kindness that showed in his heart through his teaching has impacted so many of his students, and through them has and will continue to impact the world…….time well spent Mr. Ellis, time well spent sir…..rest now, for you shall be well received,” he wrote.

The headmaster of CPA, Nate Morrow, shared the following statement:

Ben was a gift to us all in the most unassuming and life-giving way. Even in the process of his death, he selflessly encouraged and empowered individuals to find life in Jesus. Now Ben and his Lord are fully together, yet we remain; his family and his students remain and we grieve deeply.

And though it is a time to grieve, we are not without hope. We proclaim a God who sent his own Son to the cross to show us there is no fear in death. We will all be together again; this separation is temporary. One day we will spend our eternity with Jesus, with Ben, and the many saints who have gone before us.

He left these words for us, spoken over the students at his house, and I share them with you to guide us now. He said, ‘I love you. I believe now more than ever that God is good, and that He is with us. I am full of hope, peace, and joy. I wish all this for you. Look to Jesus to know, to believe, and to be filled.’

According to WSMV in Nashville, Mr. Ellis leaves behind his wife Shelley and five children.