exv32w1

Exhibit 32.1

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2004 (the “Report”) by Southside Bancshares, Inc. (“Registrant”), the undersigned hereby certifies that:

1.   The Report fully complies with requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and

2.   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Registrant.

Date: March 4, 2005 By:   /s/ B. G. HARTLEY
B. G. Hartley
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

	1.	The Report fully complies with requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and

	2.	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Registrant.



Date: March 4, 2005	By:	/s/ B. G. HARTLEY
		B. G. Hartley
		Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer