An ordinary trip to a local gas station transformed into a million-dollar moment for an Oglethorpe County resident last week.
The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, bought the $1 million scratch-off, a Triple Jackpot ticket, at 8:58 a.m. Feb. 25 at Peach Express on Athens Road, marking a historic moment for the gas station.
“He brought me the ticket, and I laid it down,” store manager Beebe Drake said. “I said, ‘Yeah, you just won a $1 million, sign your ticket right now and get out of this store.”
Megan Adams, the cashier who sold the ticket, said there were only two left in the slot, a rarity that often prompted her colleagues to purchase tickets for themselves.
“Something told both of us just don’t, just put those two back, and he comes walking through the door right after that,” Adams said.
The resident stood in front of the display of scratch-off tickets and decided to take a chance on the $10 tickets in slot No. 33.
“He is a regular customer, and he comes in every day faithfully,” Drake said. “He usually will only buy the $5 tickets, so he almost didn't buy the ticket.
On his way out the door, he scratched away at the silver coating. His eyes widened with disbelief as he matched the winning number — 33.
Moments later, he rushed back inside, visibly shaken, said Drake, who is a longtime friend.
“He was super elated and he hugged me,” Drake said. “He almost broke my freaking ribs, he was squeezing me so tight.”
Despite the life-altering event, Adams said the customer has maintained his routine.
“He still comes in every day,” she said. “He’s still working, and his wife is still working her tail off, too, so it’s really humbling to know that a family that really needed a blessing got a blessing.”
Drake said the store will host a celebration for its customers, but a date hasn’t been set.
As the news of the million-dollar win spread throughout the community, Drake shared her thoughts about the lucky winner and his family.
“(He) works very hard,” Drake said. “He’s a good man. He has a kind heart, and they are more than deserving.”