Wallace “Wally” Amos, Jr., known for founding Famous Amos cookies, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 88 in Hawaii, as reported by the Tallahassee Democrat, part of the YSL News Network.

Amos dedicated his life to crafting the ultimate cookie and died at home after a long struggle with dementia, according to NPR and CBS News.

His wife was present at his side when he passed away, CBS News reported.

“Our dad motivated countless entrepreneurs,” his children said in a statement to the media.

“Dressed in his Panama hat, equipped with a kazoo, and filled with unmatched optimism, Famous Amos represented a remarkable American success story and a source of pride for the Black community. It’s an invaluable part of our family legacy that we will always cherish and be proud of.”

Amos launched the cookie brand in 1975, according to its official website. His children referred to him as a “truly unique Black American icon.”

Who Was Wally Amos?

Amos was born in Tallahassee’s Smoky Hollow, a vibrant Black neighborhood that is now part of downtown Tallahassee. Unfortunately, many families had to relocate due to the construction of the Apalachee Parkway in the 1950s and subsequent developments by the Florida Department of Transportation.

At the age of 12, Amos moved to New York City to live with an aunt. Though he didn’t have fond memories of his early life in Tallahassee, he always remembered his roots.

“That was a time of segregation,” he revealed to a Democrat reporter after visiting in 2006. “There was racism everywhere, making it very difficult for me. Now, I can proudly say I’m from Tallahassee. This has been the most wonderful trip.”

He returned to his hometown several times, including visits in 2006, 1995, and 1994 when Democrat entertainment writer Mark Hinson documented his return.

Cookie Kahuna and Shark Tank

Amos, who admitted he wasn’t a savvy businessperson, sold Famous Amos along with the rights to his name.

“I’m not a business expert; my focus was not on profit,” Amos said during his appearance on Season 8, episode 3 of Shark Tank in 2016. “I was just looking to enjoy myself.”

On the show, he sought $50,000 for a 20% ownership in his new cookie venture, Cookie Kahuna.

With his kazoo and cookies, he tried to impress the five sharks in hopes of securing their investment. However, all five sharks declined to invest.

In 2017, he exited from the company, as he revealed in a YouTube video.