Wally Amos, founder of "Famous Amos" cookies, dies at 88: "A true original Black American hero"

Wallace "Wally" Amos, Jr., founder of the "Famous Amos" cookies known and beloved nationwide, died at 88 on Wednesday, his family said.

The American entrepreneur died peacefully at his home with his wife Carol by his side after a battle with dementia, Amos' children, Sarah, Michael, Gregory and Shawn, said in a statement. 

Born in Tallahassee, Florida, Amos built his brand from one bakery in Hollywood, California, in 1975 and a family recipe.