Harnett County Winner Says Lottery Prize Will Help Buy Family A House

HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. – A Harnett County man who had been looking at houses with his family just days earlier is now in a much better position to buy one after winning a $1 million lottery prize.

Raymond Johnson of Bunnlevel said he was sitting on his front porch Sunday scratching a $10 Triple Red 777 Jackpot ticket when he realized he had won one of the game’s $1 million top prizes.

“It just so happens that yesterday was my lucky day,” Johnson said.

The timing, he said, could not have been much better.

“Last Saturday we were looking at a house,” Johnson said.

Johnson purchased the winning ticket at Super Save on N.C. 27 West in Lillington. He said he picked the ticket on instinct.

“I just go with my first instinct and it was to get that one,” he said.

Johnson claimed his prize Monday at lottery headquarters.

He had the option of receiving $50,000 annually for 20 years or taking a $600,000 lump-sum payment. Johnson chose the lump sum and received $432,063 after required federal and state tax withholdings.

He plans to use the winnings to purchase a house and a vehicle for his family.

The Triple Red 777 Jackpot scratch-off game began in July with three $1 million top prizes. Following Johnson’s win, one $1 million prize remains.

Lottery proceeds also support education projects across North Carolina. Harnett County received a $10 million state grant funded with lottery proceeds to assist with construction of a new elementary school.