has paid his respects to Nashville-based teacher Ben Ellis, who died on Friday (Sept. 16) after a long battle with esophageal cancer.

"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," McGraw writes in a heartfelt note posted on Instagram, along with a photo of a sunrise peaking out from the clouds.

Ellis was a Latin and Bible studies teacher at Christ Presbyterian Academy in Brentwood, Tenn. According to , he worked at the school until earlier this month "because the distraction helped him through it." Ellis leaves behind his wife and five children.

Last week, McGraw shared a video of the students and faculty at Ellis' school singing and worshiping outside of the beloved teacher's home.

"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," McGraw said upon sharing the video on social media. The clip quickly went viral.

Of course, the country superstar isn't one to shy away from people in need. Last month, he  message that urged fans to donate money to flood relief in his home state of Louisiana.