QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-196817) and related Prospectus of Southside Bancshares, Inc. and to the incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated March 14, 2014, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Southside Bancshares, Inc., and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Southside Bancshares, Inc., included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Dallas, Texas
July 17, 2014
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm