Niles resident Richard Hopper, Sr. had a profitable Memorial Day weekend after winning $1 million in Friday’s night’s Mega Millions drawing.

The 69-year-old Vietnam veteran, who lives in Howard Township, said it is like a dream come true.

“I still need to take some time and think about what I want to do with it,” he said. “Probably pay some bills off, but I really won’t change much of my lifestyle.”

Hopper’s lucky day was not so lucky for another customer.

Jake Harris, who works in public relations for Michigan Lottery, said the store clerk set the ticket aside after it was purchased by mistake by another person who did not want the ticket, for an unknown reason. Harris said the ticket couldn’t be put back, so the clerk offered it up for sale.

Hopper, who said he normally plays quick pick a couple times a week, purchased the ticket that had been set aside.

Hopper said he found out he won Saturday, but did not believe it until he claimed the winnings Wednesday.

Hopper’s son, Rich, Jr. said his father’s winning ticket is extra special because it came on Memorial Day weekend. Richard, Sr. served in the U.S. Army.

“I’ve always celebrated Memorial Day with a special feeling because of all of the people that didn’t make it back,” Richard, Sr. said.

Richard, Sr. graduated from Niles High School in 1964.

He said he worked as a supervisor for the Bendix Corporation in South Bend and Clark Equipment in Buchanan. He said he retired early due to hip problems.

Richard, Sr. matched the five white balls drawn — 18-41-50-68-70 — in Friday’s drawing to win a $1 million prize. The winning ticket was bought at the Sunrise Sunset Party Store, located at 1009 Huntly Road in Niles.

This is the second time a Niles person has won $1 million in the Mega Millions drawing in the past 2 1/2 years. Amy Gourlay purchased a ticket worth that much at the Martin’s Supermarket in Niles in the Dec. 17, 2013, drawing.