A Kentucky man’s routine trip to a convenience store turned into a life-changing moment after he won a $551,151 lottery prize, surprising both himself and his family. The win was announced in a news release issued on Saturday, March 21, by the Kentucky Lottery.

James Milby, a truck driver from Glasgow, had been working in his yard with his wife when he decided to stop by a store to buy an energy drink. With $30 in his pocket, he purchased a $20 Fast Play ticket—a game he had recently started playing after encouragement from his grandson.

Milby said he had previously favored scratch-off tickets but switched formats after his grandson described Fast Play as a quicker alternative. After buying the ticket, he scanned it at the store and was initially unsure if the result was correct. A store employee confirmed the win, telling him his time had finally come.

Still in disbelief, Milby rushed home to share the news with his wife, Tammy. She initially thought something was wrong based on his reaction, but quickly realized he was trying to tell her something positive. Despite his excitement, she remained skeptical and insisted on returning to the store to verify the win herself.

After taxes, lottery officials said the couple received just under $400,000. One of their first decisions was to share the news with their children and begin planning how to use the winnings to improve their family’s future.

Milby said he hopes to use the prize responsibly and give back where possible, emphasizing that he intends to follow what he believes is right for his family.