Wally Amos (1936-2024) Find a Grave Memorial
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Wally Amos was a trailblazing entrepreneur best known for founding the Famous Amos cookie franchise. Raised in New York City, he developed a passion for baking from his Aunt Della and honed his culinary skills at Food Trades Vocational High School.
Wally Amos
| Full Name | Wallace Amos Jr. |
|---|---|
| Birth | 1 July 1936, Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida, United States |
| Death | 13 August 2024 (aged 88) Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States |
| Cause of Death | Dementia |
| Known for | Famous Amos and Learn to Read |
| Spouse | Christine Harris-Amos (Married 1979) |
| Children | Shawn Amos and Sarah Amos |
| Other names | Famous Amos |
| Occupations | Business Entrepreneur and Author |
| Nationality | American |
| Burial | Cremated. Specifically: Ashes retained by his family. |
After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Amos embarked on a career in the entertainment industry, becoming the first Black agent at the William Morris Talent Agency and signing influential acts like Simon & Garfunkel.
In 1975, Amos transitioned to the food industry, opening the first Famous Amos cookie store in Los Angeles. Despite early success, financial troubles led him to sell the business. He later launched Wally Amos Presents Chip & Cookie but faced legal challenges. In 1998, he became a spokesperson for Famous Amos under the Keebler Company.
A passionate advocate for literacy, Amos traveled the country as a motivational speaker and authored ten books. He passed away due to complications from dementia, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and advocacy.
Wally Amos Find a Grave
Burial Details: Cremated. Specifically: Ashes retained by his family.
Wally Amos Cause of Death
Cause of Death: Wally Amos died from complications with dementia.
Wally Amos: Entrepreneur, Author, and Advocate Life and Career
- Founding Famous Amos: Wally Amos is renowned for founding the Famous Amos cookie store franchise, a notable brand in the cookie industry.
- Early Life and Education: After his parents’ divorce, Amos moved to New York City to live with his Aunt Della, who inspired his love for baking. He attended Food Trades Vocational High School, where he studied culinary arts.
- Military Service: He served in the United States Air Force before returning to civilian life.
- Career Beginnings: Amos started his professional career in the stock room at Saks Fifth Avenue, then moved to the William Morris Talent Agency.
- Groundbreaking Achievements: In 1962, he made history as the first Black agent at William Morris. He was instrumental in signing notable acts such as Simon & Garfunkel and worked with influential artists including Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, and Diana Ross.
- Transition to Baking: After leaving William Morris, Amos moved to California and opened the first Famous Amos cookie store in Los Angeles, which initially enjoyed great success.
- Financial Challenges: The Famous Amos brand faced financial difficulties after a decade, leading Amos to sell the company.
- New Ventures and Legal Issues: In 1991, Amos launched Wally Amos Presents Chip & Cookie but faced legal challenges due to a conflict with his previous agreements.
- Later Career and Advocacy: The Keebler Company acquired Famous Amos in 1998 and hired Amos as a spokesperson. He was also a passionate advocate for literacy and traveled extensively as a motivational speaker.
- Authorship: Amos authored ten books throughout his career, contributing to his legacy as a writer.
- Legacy and Passing: Wally Amos passed away due to complications from dementia, leaving behind a significant impact on both the business and literary worlds.
FAQs About Wally Amos
Q: Who was Wally Amos?
A: Wally Amos was a trailblazing entrepreneur best known for founding the Famous Amos cookie franchise. He was also an advocate for literacy and an author.
Q: When and where was Wally Amos born?
A: Wally Amos was born on July 1, 1936, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida, United States.
Q: When did Wally Amos pass away, and what was the cause of his death?
A: Wally Amos passed away on August 13, 2024, in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the age of 88. He died from complications related to dementia.
Q: What is Wally Amos best known for?
A: Wally Amos is best known for founding the Famous Amos cookie store franchise and his work as a motivational speaker and author.
Q: What were Wally Amos’s major career achievements?
A: Major achievements include founding Famous Amos cookies, becoming the first Black agent at the William Morris Talent Agency, signing influential acts like Simon & Garfunkel, and advocating for literacy. He also authored ten books and worked as a spokesperson for Famous Amos under the Keebler Company.
Q: What was Wally Amos’s early life and education like?
A: After his parents’ divorce, Amos moved to New York City to live with his Aunt Della, who inspired his love for baking. He attended Food Trades Vocational High School to study culinary arts.
Q: What was Wally Amos’s military background?
A: Wally Amos served in the United States Air Force before beginning his career in the entertainment industry.
Q: What was the fate of the Famous Amos cookie business?
A: The Famous Amos cookie business faced financial troubles after a decade of success, leading Amos to sell the company. He later launched Wally Amos Presents Chip & Cookie but encountered legal issues. The brand was acquired by the Keebler Company in 1998, and Amos worked as a spokesperson for them.
Q: What were some of Wally Amos’s other ventures and activities?
A: Besides his cookie business, Wally Amos authored ten books, was a passionate literacy advocate, and traveled as a motivational speaker.
Q: How was Wally Amos’s burial handled?
A: Wally Amos was cremated, and his ashes were retained by his family.
