Gary McNeely from McDowell County just turned a $30 ticket into a life-changing win. The longtime car salesman from Marion picked up his Millionaire Bucks scratch-off from M&M Mart on North Main Street — and it ended up being worth a whopping $100,000!
“When I found out, I was as excited as a banjo,” McNeely laughed, still amazed by his luck. “It tickled me to death. I’ve never won anything like that before.”
He claimed his prize at the North Carolina Education Lottery headquarters in Raleigh on October 28. After federal and state tax withholdings, he walked away with $71,758 in cash.
So, what’s next for the lucky winner? McNeely says he plans to use some of the money to fix up his home — a well-deserved treat after two decades in car sales.
The Millionaire Bucks game, which launched in October 2024, offers exciting top prizes of up to $5 million. And beyond individual wins like McNeely’s, the lottery also helps fund community projects. For example, a $15 million lottery grant recently helped build the new Old Fort Elementary School in McDowell County.
Looks like McNeely’s big win isn’t the only thing bringing good fortune to his hometown!
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