Tracy Reynolds of Lincolnton said he couldn’t hold in his emotion after he won $1 million playing the Extreme Millions scratch-off game.

“I was in tears when I saw it,” Reynolds said. “I am just so blessed. This couldn’t come at a better time.”

His good fortune happened when he stopped to get gas Sunday night at the Murphy Express on North Generals Boulevard in Lincolnton. While he was there, Reynolds decided to get a $30 Extreme Millions ticket. He said he won $60 on that ticket, so he decided to get another one.

“I only had to scratch the first number to realize what I was holding,” Reynolds said. “I couldn’t believe it.”

He claimed his prize Thursday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. Reynolds 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. After required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $417,015. He plans to use some of the money to get a new pickup truck, GMC Sierra.

Extreme Millions launched in December 2016 with four $10 million prizes and 22 $1 million prizes. Two $10 million prizes and 11 $1 million prizes remain.

Ticket sales from games like Extreme Millions make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $600 million a year for the state. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties, click on the “For Education” section of the lottery’s website.