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Columbus County man followed a “wild hair” to a $1 million win

May 6, 2025 Posted by NC Lottery at 3:05 PM
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When Kenneth Formyduval of Whiteville got off work Friday night, he trusted his gut and bought a $30 scratch-off, leading him to a $1 million top prize.

“I just got a wild hair and decided to buy one,” he said. “Something just told me to get that ticket.”

Formyduval bought his lucky MAX-A-MILLION ticket from Minuteman Food Mart on South Madison Street in Whiteville.

“It was like a once-in-a-lifetime dream,” he said recalling his winning moment.

Formyduval then told one of his coworkers, another lottery player, about his big win.

“He gave me a fist bump,” Formyduval laughed.

When Formyduval arrived at lottery headquarters Monday, he had a decision to make. He could choose to receive the prize as an annuity of $50,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000. He chose the lump sum of $600,000 and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $430,508.

He plans to use his winnings to pay off his truck and possibly buy a house.

The MAX-A-MILLION game debuted in March with 25 top prizes of $1 million and 10 prizes of $100,000. Twenty-one $1 million prizes and 10 $100,000 prizes remain to be claimed.

Columbus County received $67 million in grants from money raised by the lottery to help with new school construction. For details on other ways money raised by the lottery made a difference for education programs in Columbus County last year, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.


10 COMMENTS

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5/07/2025 10:16 - Brenda H.

Congratulations!! On your win!!!

5/07/2025 08:54 - Amy G.

Congratulations on your win!

5/07/2025 08:50 - Duane C.

Congratulations

5/07/2025 07:45 - Steven B.

Lady Luck whispered in your Ear

5/07/2025 02:40 - Robert f.

Congratulations from Charlotte,I get a wild hair all the time but I still can't win the top prize, maybe one of these days.enjoy your winnings

5/07/2025 01:08 - Chris C.

Congratulations homeboy

5/06/2025 08:13 - Sabrina D S.

Congrats!!

5/06/2025 06:46 - Kittima R.

Congratulations !!!

5/06/2025 04:13 - george j.

Congrats to you Kenneth, like you said its a life time thing enjoy that Blessing.....

5/06/2025 03:28 - MICHAEL B.

Congrats

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