Crews said he usually refuses his friend's offer of payment, but on a recent rainy day the other man insisted he accept $60.
"He said, 'Please, put it on a scratch-off, you might hit something today,'" Crews recalled.
Crews followed his friend's instructions and spent the money on three $20 Ruby Red 7s tickets at the Southern Store in Shelby.
The first ticket was a dud, but the second won him a $30 prize and the last ticket was a $4 million top prize winner.
"Perfect timing and luck," Crews said. "Very exciting. I call it my three-year retirement payout. I retired three years ago."
Crews, who collected his winnings from lottery headquarters Monday, said he plans to use the money to build a new home for his retirement and help his family members pay their bills.
