Thanks for taking a look. I had not thought to check this possibility, but then, I doubt that he would be listed as a soldier. My best guess is that he was contracted (formally or informally) to purchase arms for the Confederacy.

I also suspect that the William Proudfit of Haywood County is the same person as the William Proudfit who died in Memphis in 1863 (and this was the arms agent). I further think that W.P. of the 1880's was probably his son.

When I have time to delve into the census records, this may all become clearer.