In Texas, as I understand it, the deed is the definitive document and need not be recorded with the county. However, recording it is required by lenders and generally a good idea---in case of multiple deeds showing up, the recorded one would take precedence. One exception is that, if you wanted to leave your property to someone on your death without it going through the probate process, you could execute a deed and not register it. When you die, the receiver registers the deed and everyone is happy.
