GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A gospel singer is “singing hallelujah” all the way to the bank! That’s after a North Carolina man has claimed the $1 million Powerball jackpot.
Lloyd Dockery sure does have a million reasons to sing after buying the lucky winning ticket from the Lowell Mini Mart on McAdenville Road.
“When I saw how much the jackpot was I almost bought two tickets,” said Dockery. “But then I figured, if I’m going to win, I only need one.”
He had no idea he’d won until after he read about it in the paper. That’s when he pulled out his ticket, put it next to the paper and started checking his numbers.
“When I saw that I got three of the numbers I thought, ‘Well, I hope I get the other two,” Dockery said. “When I saw that I matched all five I shouted, “I’m a millionaire!”
Dockery plans to give some money to his church, pay off his house, and get a new guitar.
“I need to make sure I have a good guitar if I’m going to keep singing,” Dockery said. “I go to retirement homes and perform Johnny Cash. Everybody loves Johnny Cash.”
Dockery took home $707,501 after taxes.
The Powerball jackpot is now up to $750 million!
Winners have 180 days from the drawing to claim their prize.
If someone wins the jackpot Wednesday, it's $750 million annuity or if they take the lump sum it's worth $465.5 million. Still not a bad cash out.
Other lottery stories to check out: