HIGH POINT, N.C. — An exterminator and a plumber, who happen to be lifelong friends bought a lottery ticket and they won! What happens next is so relatable.
Well according to Tommy Smith, of High Point, he called his best friend Steven Smith who lives in Kernersville, before he called wifey. The two have known each other for as long as they can remember, they told NC Education Lottery officials.
They grew up together, they fish together and now they can retire together after winning the $296,513 Cash 5 jackpot--together.
“We had a pact,” Tommy said. “If either of us won a top lottery prize, we’d split it.”
Here's how it all happened -- Tommy stopped at Smitty’s 1 Stop on West in High Point and bought a Cash 5 ticket for the Thursday, March 14 drawing. Tommy 'the plumber' found out he won the next evening. “When I saw I had all five numbers, I was like, ‘Holy Cow!’” Tommy said.
Tommy said the first thing he did was call his best friend Steven 'the exterminator' to tell him. In fact, "I called him before I called my wife. I took a little heat for that, but oh well.”
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Steven. “I couldn’t finish my dinner I was so excited. That was a good day.”
The friends claimed the jackpot Monday morning at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. After required state and federal tax withholdings, they split $209,783.
“Oh, Big Daddy! I can’t believe it!” Tommy said, giving Steven a high five when he got the check. “I’ve been smiling so much my face is starting to hurt.”
They both plan to save the money for retirement. “This is life-changing,” Tommy said. “I’m so glad that I get to change his life as well. We’ve been waiting for this day for a long time, and it’s finally here.”
What else people are clicking on:
