For Michael Owenby of Candler, a decision to quench his thirst turned into a $1 million lottery win.

Owenby, a school custodian, was helping his friend shop for a car when he decided to get a drink and get some lottery tickets.

“I asked for a $5, $10, and $20 ticket,” Owenby said.

When he scratched the Millionaire Bucks ticket, he couldn’t believe what he saw.

“It’s amazing,” Owenby said. “It all happened because I wanted a Mountain Dew.”

He claimed his prize Thursday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. Owenby had the choice of taking a $1 million annuity that has 20 payments of $50,000 a year or a lump sum of $600,000. He chose the lump sum and after federal and state tax withholdings received $415,506. He plans to use the money to get a new car and save for retirement.

Owenby bought the $20 ticket at M&S Food on Patton Avenue in Asheville.

Millionaire Bucks launched in January with three $4 million prizes, and five $1 million prizes. Two $4 million prizes and two $1 million prizes remain.

Ticket sales from games like Millionaire Bucks made it possible for the lottery to raise $634 million dollars for the state last year. For details on how more than $69.3 million in lottery funds has made a difference in Buncombe County, click on the “For Education” section of the lottery’s website.