Bobby Smith, a 20-year Navy veteran from Lincoln County, said it was just a lucky feeling that led him to become the first winner of a $100,000 prize in the 10th Anniversary Millions game.

Smith, 75, enjoys playing the lottery and plays regularly at Jones Exxon on N.C. 16. “I walked in and told the guy, ‘I am feeling lucky, give me two tickets,’” he said.

Smith went back to his car and used an old penny to scratch the tickets. He said the amount of the prize he saw got his hands shaking. He walked back into the store and asked how to cash a $100,000 ticket.

“Everybody that was in there congratulated me for winning it,” said Smith, who worked as a bus driver, mechanic and warehouse worker before retirement. “I had one woman come up and hug my neck.”

Smith said he planned to buy a “fairly decent” car, a new sofa and a new recliner, and put the rest in the bank as an emergency fund. After the required state and federal tax withholdings, he received $69,253.

“I’m going to enjoy what I can of it and I’m thankful it didn’t give me a heart attack when I won it,” Smith said. “I hope it doesn’t take too long to win another prize like this.”

The 10th Anniversary Millions game began this month as part of the lottery’s 10th anniversary celebration. The game has four $1 million prizes and five of six $100,000 prizes remaining.

Ticket sales from games like 10th Anniversary Millions made it possible for the lottery to raise more than half a billion dollars for the state last year. For details on how over $28 million in lottery funds has made a difference in Lincoln County, click on the “For Education” section of the lottery’s website.