CHARLOTTE — The North Carolina Education Lottery says an Air Force veteran from Belmont has won $1 million in the 50X The Cash scratch-off game.
Randy Abernathy said he was on his way to play golf Wednesday afternoon when he stopped by Mike’s Food Store on Post Road in Shelby to get a Mountain Dew.
"I always stop somewhere to get a drink before I go golfing," Abernathy said. "I saw the ticket, I actually won $1,000 on it last year, and I decided to try my luck again."
Abernathy claimed his prize Friday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh.
"This is a very good thing to happen when you’re retired," Abernathy said.
Abernathy chose a lump-sum payment of $423,009 after taxes. He plans to use some of the money to fix up his house.
"I’m going to fix my deck," Abernathy said. "I’ve been putting it off, but it will be nice to sit out there and enjoy the afternoons."