Patrick Lingo of Salisbury said that winning $158,135 playing Carolina Cash 5 means he can save for retirement and his son’s college fund. Lingo, an assistant manager at an auto repair shop, said his winnings would also be used to pay off his auto loan and make home repairs.

“It’s a blessing,” he said Monday at lottery quarters. “This will make everyday things a little easier.”

Lingo had one of three lucky tickets in Thursday’s drawing that matched all five numbers to split the $474,405 jackpot three ways. He said Friday was an ordinary, busy day at work – until he checked his $5 Quick Pick ticket and realized he won.

“Everyone started freaking out,” he recalled. “It was awesome. I started making phone calls.”

Lingo bought the lucky ticket at the Woodie’s on Tryon Street in Charlotte, which is attached to the repair shop where he works. After required state and federal withholdings, Lingo received a check for $109,429.

The other two winners have also claimed their $158,135 shares of the jackpot. Randel Holland, a Raleigh businessman, claimed his prize on Friday. Clinton Jones, a retired engineer from Kernersville, also claimed his prize on Monday.

Ticket sales have made it possible for the lottery to raise more than $3.4 billion for the state. North Carolina Education Lottery net proceeds will be used this year to help pay salaries of teachers and teacher assistants, for pre-kindergarten programs for at-risk four-year-olds, school construction and repair, and need-based college scholarships and financial aid.

For details on how more than $38.5 million in lottery funds have made a difference in Rowan County, click on the “Where the Money Goes” tab on the lottery’s website.