A lucky find in a convenience store parking lot turned into a life-changing win for Jerry Hicks, a master carpenter from Banner Elk, North Carolina, CNN reports.
On Tuesday, Hicks discovered a $20 bill while heading into the store. Instead of pocketing the unexpected windfall, Hicks decided to use it on a lottery ticket. That decision led him to win a $1 million prize on an Extreme Cash scratch-off.
Hicks claimed his prize on Friday at the North Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters, opting to receive the prize as a lump sum of $600,000 instead of an annuity over 20 years. After taxes, Hicks walked away with $429,007.
The carpenter of 56 years plans to use the winnings to help his children and finally retire from his trade. However, before settling into retirement, Hicks is indulging in a celebratory feast.
“We are going to head straight to Golden Corral and eat everything they’ve got,” he said.
