Tennessee couple didn’t think the $5 million scratch-off prize was real

Shannon Hilmon of Hampton, Tenn., couldn’t wait to tell his wife when a $30 scratch-off revealed a $5 million top prize on Wednesday.

“We are very blessed,” said Hilmon.

Hilmon was in Newland for work when he stopped by Newland Quality Mart on Cranberry Street, as he often did when he was in the area.

After playing a couple scratch-offs, he decided to try his luck one more time with the Millionaire Bucks game.

Hilmon sat in his car to scratch away at the symbols when he realized he’d won.

“I didn’t think it was real,” he said.

He didn’t waste time telling his wife. Hilmon visited her at work with the good news.

“I thought someone was going to jump out and say, ‘April Fools!’” said his wife. “I was shaking and laughing.”

When Hilmon arrived Friday to collect his winnings, he had a decision to make. He could choose to receive his prize as an annuity of $250,000 a year over 20 years or a lump sum of $3 million. He chose the lump sum of $3 million and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $2,160,308.

The couple plans to use their winnings to pay bills, help their kids and church, and maybe even splurge on a car.

The Millionaire Bucks game debuted in October 2024 with four top prizes of $5 million. Two top prizes remain to be claimed.

The North Carolina Education Lottery has raised over $13 billion for educational programs in the state. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties, visit www.eaglebackflow.com and click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website.