Wally Amos, founder of “Famous Amos” Cookies, dies at the age of 88

Wallace “Wally” Amos, Jr.., the founder of the “Famous Amos” cookies, has died, according to CBS NewsHe was 88.

In a statement on Wednesday (August 14), Amos' family said he died peacefully at home surrounded by his wife. Carolafter a battle with dementia.

Amos' popular cookie brand began with a family recipe and a bakery that opened in Hollywood, California in 1975.

“Big was in, but Wally Amos dared to think small and perfected the ultimate bite-sized chocolate chip cookie,” says the Famous Amos Cookie website. “Famous musicians and other Hollywood stars began singing the praises of the delicious cookies from a small bakery on Sunset Boulevard.”

Amos later became the owner of the Hawaiian cookie shop Chip & Cookie. The entrepreneur also co-founded Uncle Wally's Muffin Co., whose products are also available in stores across the country.

“Our father inspired a generation of entrepreneurs,” Amos' family said in a statement. “With his Panama hat, his kazoo and his boundless optimism, Famous Amos was a great American success story and a source of black pride. It is also part of our family history, for which we will be forever grateful and proud.”

“He was a true, genuine black American hero,” the family added.

Amos was also a literacy activist, writing eight books, serving as a spokesperson for the Literacy Volunteers of America, and giving motivational speeches to corporations, schools, and others. The founder of Famous Amos received the National Literacy Award in 1991, presented by former President George H.W. Bush.

“Your greatest contribution to your country is not your straw hat on display in the Smithsonian Museum, but the people who inspired you to learn to read,” Bush said at the time.

Rest in peace, Wally Amos.

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