Avery County Man Discovers $20 on the Ground and Wins $1 Million
Jerry Hicks of Banner Elk, North Carolina, experienced an unexpected stroke of luck that led to a life-changing event. When he found a $20 bill on the ground outside a Speedway convenience store, Hicks decided to try his luck on a scratch-off lottery ticket, a decision that resulted in a $1 million win.
Reflecting on the day, Hicks, a skilled carpenter with over five decades in the trade, shared the surprising sequence of events. “I found $20 in the parking lot outside the Speedway,” he recounted. Without hesitation, he took the bill inside the convenience store on N.C. 105 in Boone and looked to buy a scratch-off ticket. Initially, he had his sights set on a particular ticket, but the store didn’t have it in stock. Instead, he opted for an “Extreme Cash” scratch-off, a choice he made on a whim. “They actually didn’t have the ticket I was looking for, so I bought that one instead,” he laughed, recalling how a small twist of fate led to such a significant outcome.
The moment Hicks realized he had won the jackpot was filled with shock and excitement, but he was quick to decide on his first celebratory step. “We are going to head straight to Golden Corral and eat everything they’ve got,” he joked, sharing his sense of humor about celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime event.
When Hicks arrived at the lottery headquarters on Friday to claim his prize, he faced a pivotal decision. Lottery officials offered him two options: he could receive the prize in an annuity, providing $50,000 annually over 20 years, or opt for a one-time lump sum payment of $600,000. Hicks chose the lump sum, ultimately taking home $429,007 after state and federal tax with holdings were applied.
Reflecting on his windfall, Hicks expressed gratitude and shared his plans for the future. After a lengthy career as a carpenter, spanning 56 years, he decided it was finally time to retire. This financial boost provides him with the opportunity to step back from the rigorous demands of his trade, a decision he had long considered but hadn’t yet acted upon. Beyond retirement, Hicks intends to use a portion of his winnings to support his children, underscoring his commitment to family even in this moment of personal fortune.
Hicks’s story highlights the thrill and unpredictability of lottery wins and serves as a reminder of how quickly life can change with a bit of luck and the right timing.