Publishers Clearing House knocks on Long Beach door

LONGVIEW — Publishers Clearing House visited a Long Beach couple Monday with a surprise — the announcement of winning nearly $55,000.

Gaylon Ray and his wife Judy had the choice of taking the money, or a Ford Bronco Heritage truck valued at $54,275, according to the company.

Ray told the company’s Prize Patrol he plans to purchase a less expensive Ford, using the rest of his winnings to help pay off his children’s student loans.

Publishers Clearing House sells items like magazine subscriptions and apps, such as for trivia and slot machine games. The company is known for its longrunning sweepstakes where winners are surprised at their doorsteps.

The Rays — who were married in the Long Beach area and returned after retirement from Washington, D.C. — are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year, now with $50,000.

Ray joked that he expected the win after playing the company’s apps nightly, and encouraged other sweepstakes participants to keep trying.

“Keep entering, keep believing, and have hope,” he said in a statement from the company.