Johnston County Man Screams At The Top Of His Lungs After $2 Million Win

JOHNSTON COUNTY – A break from routine created a lucky break for John Teague of Selma after a $20 scratch-off purchase revealed a $2 million prize.

“I was scratching in my truck and I’m like, ‘This can’t be real,’” Teague recalled. “First thing I did was scream at the top of my lungs.”

The big win occurred after Teague altered his usual morning routine of heading straight to work as a maintenance director in Youngsville to stop for gas at the Circle K on North Brightleaf Boulevard in Smithfield. He also said he normally plays Cashword scratch-offs but this time he chose a Grand Money ticket.

“I just had this overwhelming feeling telling me to buy that ticket,” he said.

Teague said he called his wife right away to tell her he won.

“I told her, ‘Now I can get you the house that you deserve,’” Teague said. “This is a life-changing event.”

When Teague arrived at lottery headquarters to collect his prize, he had a decision to make. He could choose to receive the prize as an annuity of $100,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $1.2 million. He chose the lump-sum amount of $1.2 million and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $855,006.

“This really is a blessing for our family,” he said. “Hallelujah.”

In addition to buying a house, Teague said he can pay off his truck and buy a new lawn mower.

The Grand Money game debuted in September 2021 with four top prizes of $2 million and six $100,000 prizes. Since Teague won the last $2 million prize, the lottery will begin the process of ending the game.