Frugal NC lottery winner has lofty plan with newfound cash — buy thicker bologna

Lottery winners often have elaborate spending plans, but Joseph Greer is a blue collar type with a pretty achievable — and unique — dream.

And it involves buying better bologna.

Yes, you read that right.

Greer, who lives in Boone, has spent the past 40 years working as an appliance repairman, and he says winning $100,000 means he can now afford better lunch meat, according to the North Carolina Education Lottery.

“I’m tired of eating the thin bologna,” Greer said in an Aug. 12 news release. “I want the thick bologna now.”

He also intends to put aside some money for his eventual retirement.

The big win came playing the $8 Million Money Maker scratch-off game, but not in the traditional way.

Greer’s $50 ticket was initially a loser, but he was among 979,465 entries in a “second chance drawing” option that allows players another shot at winning.

The extra effort paid off.

“I about passed out. It was pretty crazy,” Greer said in the release. “I’m still in awe.”

He picked up the prize at lottery headquarters Tuesday, Aug. 12, and it came to $71,750 after federal and state taxes, lottery officials said.

The second chance drawing offers instant cash prizes at four levels, including one top prize of $1 million and three prizes of $100,000.

This story was originally published August 13, 2025 at 10:41 AM with the headline "Frugal NC lottery winner has lofty plan with newfound cash — buy thicker bologna."