Justin Keitt, a FedEx driver from Lexington, said a quick trip at the store to grab an ICEE turned into a $1 million win after he bought a Ruby Red 7’s scratch-off ticket.

With temperatures climbing into the upper-80’s on Saturday, Keitt stopped by 4 Brothers on Yadkinville Highway in Pfafftown on his break.

“It was so hot outside,” said Keitt. “So I went to get an ICEE and some snacks.”

While in line, he decided to cash in a scratch-off ticket worth $20 and use the money to buy one Ruby Red 7’s ticket. He was in disbelief when he got in his car and started scratching.

“I asked myself, ‘Is this real?,’ said Keitt. “I just didn’t believe it at first.”

Keitt made a few more deliveries and drove straight home to put the lucky ticket in his gun safe.

“I didn’t even want to take it out of my pocket,” Keitt said.

Keitt claimed his prize at lottery headquarters in Raleigh on Monday. He had the choice of taking a $1 million annuity with payments of $50,000 a year for 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000. He chose the lump sum and after federal and state tax withholdings took home $417,012. He plans on using the money to start his own wedding venue business and buy equipment for his go-cart racing, eight-year-old daughter.

“She’s a great racer,” said Keitt. “I just want to help her win.”

Ruby Red 7’s started a year ago with three top prizes of $4 million and four $1 million prizes. One top prize of $4 million remains to be claimed.

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