ITEM 5.02 DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR PRINCIPAL OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPAL OFFICERS.

Item 5.02 (b) On January 22, 2009, Michael D. Gollob, CPA notified the board of
directors that he has elected not to stand for re-election as a director of Southside Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company") at the Company's next Annual Shareholders' Meeting. Mr. Gollob has served as a director and member of the audit committee since 1999. Mr. Gollob will continue to serve in his present capacity as director until the Annual Shareholders' Meeting on April 16, 2009. Mr. Gollob has agreed to serve as an advisory director on the board of the Company's subsidiary, Southside Bank, beginning April 16, 2009. "Mr. Gollob's valuable and dedicated service as a director of the Company will be greatly missed," stated B. G. Hartley, Chairman of the Board.