My (ex) brother-in-law got a registered letter way back in 1971. He had committed the "dirty" with his new blonde girlfriend, who he did marry after getting rid of my sister. He ignored it, saying that the JW religion means nothing to him. He said, Why should I go to a JC and tell those jerks anything?
So yes, he was DF in absentia.
I called him over 10 years ago about some family matters. He mentioned to me about Beth Sarim. I knew a tiny bit about it, but I wished he had told me more, or reminded me more about the ridiculousness about it. He just said, You know about Beth Sarim don't you? I said yes. End of conversation.
He called his ex, my sister, or else he talked to his son, my nephew and told them I had called. My sister called long distance to my Elders here, saying I had spoken to a DF'd person and that I, LoisLane , should now be disfellowshipped ! lol lol My Elder's reply was, We do not want to get involved in any family squabbles. lol lol
LL