Farris Ivey entered the U. S. Navy at the Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois on February 29, 1944. His subsequent duty stations were: onboard U.S.S. Prometheus (AR-3); U.S. Naval Base 722, Com Service for 7th Fleet Reserve Station; Pontoon Assembly Detachment 4, 30th Naval Construction Battalion; 5th Naval Construction Battalion; and the 29th Construction Battalion.
Farris was honorably discharged as a Shipfitter Third Class on May 14, 1946. His awards included: the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal.