HONOLULU — Wally Amos, founder of Famous Amos cookies, passed away August 13. He was 88 years old.

Amos launched the company in Hollywood, CA, in 1975 with a $25,000 loan from iconic singers Marvin Gaye and Helen Reddy, whom he counted among his friends. The company grew quickly, logging $1 million in sales in the second year. By 1981, Famous Amos was a $12 million company.

He eventually sold the Famous Amos company but launched Uncle Noname Gourmet Muffins in 1994. The company was later renamed Uncle Wally’s Muffin Company.

Before starting the cookie company, Amos was a talent agent with the William Morris Agency in New York City. He led the rock ‘n’ roll department and signed artists such as Simon & Garfunkel.

He is survived by his wife Carol and children Michael, Gregory, Sarah and Shawn.