Rutherfordton man wins $4M lottery, joins friend in 'the millionaires' club'
A lumber yard supervisor from Rutherfordton is the first player in the state to win $4 million instantly playing the $200 Million Blowout game.
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With his win, Henry Smith became the third Rutherford County player to scratch off a seven-figure lottery prize.
Rodger Keith Melton, of Spindale, won $2.6 million in 2013. Dan Royal, of Forest City, won $5.2 million in 2013 and happens to be a friend of Smith’s, according to a news release from the North Carolina Lottery Education Lottery.
“I didn’t believe my eyes,” Smith said. “I never would have tried a $20 ticket if it wasn’t for Dan. He came over the day I won, looked at my ticket, and said ‘Yup. Welcome to the millionaires’ club.’”
A $4 million prize in the game can be claimed in 20 annuity payments of $200,000 or a one-time payment of $2.4 million. Smith chose the lump sum, worth $1.6 million after required state and federal withholdings.
For prizes of $5,000 and greater, 25 percent federal tax and 5.8 percent state tax are automatically withheld.
Smith said that his prize money will make it possible for him to pay off his all his bills, including his mortgage, make home improvements and take a vacation.
He bought his winning ticket at the Express Stop on West Mills Street in Columbus in Polk County.
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