North Carolina man wins $25,000 for life on wife’s birthday

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — John Ross, of Leland, won a $25,000 a year for life prize, according to an NC Education Lottery news release.

“I just close my eyes and point at random numbers,” Ross said.

He bought his winning $2 ticket online. He won his prize by matching all five white balls in the July 14 drawing.

“The day of the drawing was actually my wife’s birthday,” Ross said. “It’s hard to believe.”

Ross, 56, said he likes to play Lucky for Life the same way each time.

“I always just play one ticket because that’s all it takes to win right?” Ross said.

He claimed his prize at lottery headquarters Friday and had the choice of receiving $25,000 a year for the rest of his life or a $390,000 lump sum.

He chose the $390,000 lump sum.

After required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $278,851.

“This will help get me to where I need to be for retirement,” he said.

Ross said he also plans to use his winnings to pay bills and donate to charity.

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