Exhibit 5.1


 [LETTERHEAD OF MCMAHON, SUROVIK, SUTTLE, BUHRMANN, COBB & HICKS APPEARS HERE]

                                   
                               December 14, 1995      

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
P.O. Box 701
Abilene, TX 79604

Dear Sirs:
    
     We have acted as counsel to First Financial Bankshares, Inc. (the
"Company") in connection with certain matters concerning a Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") relating to an aggregate of
323,982 shares (the "Shares") of the Company's Common Stock, par value $10.00
per share, to be issued in connection with the Exchange Offer by the Company to
the shareholders of Weatherford National Bankshares, Inc. Capitalized terms used
herein that are not otherwise defined have the meaning ascribed to them in the
Prospectus which constitutes a part of the Registration Statement.      

     We have examined such corporate records, documents, instruments and
certificates of the Company and have received such representations from the
officers and directors of the Company and have reviewed such questions of law
as we have deemed necessary, relevant or appropriate to enable us to render the
opinion expressed herein. During the course of our examination, we have assumed
the genuineness of all signatures and the authenticity of all documents, 
instruments, records and certificates submitted to us as originals.

     Based upon our examination and review and upon the representations made to
us by the officers and directors of the Company, we are of the opinion that the
Shares have been duly and validly authorized and will, upon issuance and 
delivery against payment therefor in the manner contemplated by the Exchange 
Offer and Merger, be validly issued, and upon such issuance, the Shares will be 
fully paid and nonassessable.

     This firm consents to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to the firm in the Prospectus 
constituting a part thereof under the caption "Legal Matters."

                                                  Very truly yours,

                                                  McMAHON, SUROVIK, SUTTLE, 
                                                  BUHRMANN, HICKS & GILL, P.C.

                                                      
                                                  By: /s/ David L. Buhrmann     
                                                      --------------------------
                                                      David L. Buhrmann


DLB/rw
[BW 120:74]