WILLCOX Favorite Sons/Daughters
The Favorite Son/Daughter Award has been presented during Rex Allen Days since it was started in 1986 by Greg LaFreniere, the publisher of the Arizona Range News at that time. The award is presented in the spirit of Rex Allen to someone who has left Willcox and made their mark elsewhere, but has never forgotten Willcox was home. In 1996, the Northern Cochise Community Hospital added an "In-town" recipient, for someone who has made his or her mark here at home. In 2009, there was no longer a sponsor for the In-town recipient, and the Range News chose the best nominee overall. In 2012, there will once again be a sponsor for the In-town recipient, as well as the Range News for Out-of town recipient, so with enough nominees, there will be two honorees.
In-town favorite son/daughter award is given to a man or woman who meets two or more of the following qualifications:
- Was born in Willcox
- Graduated from the eighth grade in Willcox
- Attended school in Willcox for majority of elementary/high school
- Graduated from high school in Willcox
And:
- Has consistently lived in Willcox
- Is a Willcox supporter and promoter
- Has made a difference in the lives of people in Willcox
- Attained recognition outside of Willcox
The out-of-town favorite son/daughter award is given to a man or woman who meets the following qualifications:
- Was born in Willcox, or
- Spent the majority of his/her growing up years in Willcox
- Attended or graduated from high school in Willcox
- Considers Willcox his/her "hometown"
- Is a Willcox supporter and promoter
- Has made a difference in people's lives
- Attained recognition in his/her life's occupation/location
Willcox Favorite Sons or Daughters Recipients
| In Town Recipient | Out of Town Recipient | Year of Induction |
|---|---|---|
| Whelan, Cristina Willey, Jeff | 2016 | |
| Cook, Jimmy | 2015 | |
| Broome, Daryl Lyn Gonzales, Manuel J. “Manny” | 2014 | |
| Dunham, Dennis and Connie | Davidson, Gilbert | 2013 |
| Clement, Gary | 2012 | |
| Estavillo, Ross | 2011 | |
| Robbs, Sally Gordon | 2010 | |
| Weaver, Jake | 2009 | |
| -- | Hansen, Homer | 2008 |
| Nicholson, Betty Jo "Honey" Wear | Lee, Cindy Tenney | 2007 |
| Stark, Pat | Collins, Jerry | 2006 |
| -- | -- | 2005 |
| Gonzales, Frank | Lane, Joe | 2004 |
| Arzberger, Gus | Browning, Eddie | 2003 |
| Bethel, Russ | Modica, Ann Huffman | 2002 |
| Bethel, Howard and Gwen | Keiller, Danny | 2001 |
| Bloise, Claudine | Grosh, George "Sonny" | 2000 |
| Bethel, Jonnie Belle | DiBiase, Ted 'Million Dollar Man' | 1999 |
| Jensen, Chris | Gordon, Carlton Jr. | 1998 |
| Clark, Ellen | Ramirez, Francisco | 1997 |
| Harris, Dave | Hurtado, Paul | 1996 |