Fading works for some but not for everyone. Fading is a process that can take a very long time...sometimes several years. People that fade are viewed as people who are going through some hardship or obstacle (you can use work as an excuse). It could make some people sympathetic to your situation and see you as someone who is in what the J Dubs call "spiritual limbo" and is confused or overloaded with worries or problems. You can also claim depression is the culprit of your failing to attend metings. They may still look down on you but they are not instructed to actually SHUN you, which is why some JWs prefer to leave this way.
The elders will notice you're not going to the meetings and so will your friends and family and they will ask. You might also get what's called a pastoral visit which is when the elders come to your house and try to uplift you spiritually or offer their assistance in possibly getting to the meetings. As long as you have some excuse that doesn't involve your doubts of the religion, you will usually be ok. They just keep giving you advice and keep reading from the Bible and tell you to "pray harder and go out on service more often"....basically, "you're not doing enough so do more".
A sucessful fader usually moves away from the area, claims to be going to a different congregation or to one in another language and that way when the elders don't see you at the kingdom hall you have an exuse. another successful fader is one who claims they are overloaded with debt and must work nights (that coincide with the meetings) so there is no way to attend. Those are the faders that get the most sympathy. eventually the elders stop pestering you about attending the meetings and about field service. The trick is, also, you have to fade gradually. if you just up and leave with no warning, there could be trouble.
For me and my wife, it's difficult sometimes because our parents are careful about tiptoeing around the subject but it's quite often this big elephant in the room. for it to no longer be uncomfortable takes years. If his family is a bunch of Uber-Dubs as we call them, really pious and devout, they might shun him anyway, even if he has not been convicted of any sin and disfellowshipped because in their eyes, he can do more to still participate in field service and meetins but choses not to. So in all its like walking on eggshells but if your husbands current relationships matter to him, its the best way to go.