Powerball winner plans arts support

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A man with a winning $259 million Powerball ticket claimed what officials are calling the largest jackpot ever won in Tennessee, and says he plans to use most of the money to support the performing arts.

Roy Cockrum, of Knoxville, appeared Thursday at Tennessee Lottery headquarters in Nashville to claim the prize. He plans to accept a lump sum payment of $115 million.

Cockrum, 58, bought the ticket at a Kroger store in Knoxville on June 11. He worked for 20 years as an actor and stage manager for theater and TV productions.

He later became known as Brother Roy, as he followed a call to religious service with The Society of Saint John the Evangelist, an Episcopal religious community in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Cockrum said he plans to use most of the money to start a foundation that will support performing arts organizations around the country.