UPDATE 1-BBT profit falls 19 percent

* Net 65 cents a share

* Operating earnings 64 cents a share

* Reuters Estimates oper share view 66 cents

NEW YORK, Oct 16 (Reuters) - BB&T Corp (BBT.N), a large U.S. Southeast regional bank, on Thursday said third-quarter profit fell 19 percent as a weakening economy fueled rising losses on its loans, offsetting higher fees and wider lending margins.

Net income for Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based BB&T fell to $358 million, or 65 cents a share, from $444 million or 80 cents, a year earlier. Excluding one-time items, BB&T said it earned 64 cents a share.

The average analyst forecast was 66 cents a share, according to Reuters Estimates. (Reporting by Joseph A. Giannone; editing by John Wallace)