Blythewood, SC (WLTX) -- It was a bittersweet goodbye at Blythewood High School on Friday as a popular culinary teacher hung up his apron.

Hundreds of students, faculty, and staff cheered as Chef William Turner walked through the crowd of supporters.

A testament to how much the school cares for Chef Turner as he continues to face a health challenge according to Principal Keith Price.

"He has been in a multi-year bout with cancer and his fight is about to really gear up," said Price.

"For the past couple of years when he has been battling cancer he has been able to stick right through it and many people didn't know there was anything wrong with him," according to Price.

Turner is described as an unselfish teacher that will be missed in the hallways of the school.

Senior Abby Mayes said, "You will be able to feel he is not here and it will be kind of sad."

"Everyone is sad to see him go, he has been such a key part of making Blythewood such a great school, it is like losing a family member since we are so close here," said Hunter Durham, Student Body President.

It is that family atmosphere that brought some former students back including Richard Neal, who is now a sophomore at U.S.C.

Neal said, "He taught me the value of working and being a good person, not worrying about what you are doing, but how you are doing it and it really meant a lot, he is a great teacher and I wanted to make sure he knew he is a great teacher."

Even though he will not be cooking at the school for a while, his influence and impact will not be forgotten soon.

"Everything he does in every way has been passionate and don't ever let that passion go away, continue to let that passion burn and enjoy every minute of it," said Price.

The school raised over $10,000 towards the Chef Turner fund as of Friday afternoon, the students  presented that check to him at the rally.